3 Best Solar Companies in Fairmont, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Fairmont based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Fairmont, MN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Fairmont homeowner saves $1,381/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Fairmont

If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Fairmont, digging through so many options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic benefits. Plus, progressive leadership has laid the foundation for a growing solar market, and plenty of the best solar companies are hoping to capitalize on it. That's why Fairmont has a decent amount of options for solar installers.


The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly based on your home’s setup and your overall energy requirements.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Fairmont solar installer.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Fairmont

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Austin Electric

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://www.austinelectric.net/
Address: 1111 5th Pl SE, Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 5074348080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The Solar Store Mankato

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://mankatosolarstore.com/
Address: 1420 N Riverfront Dr Suite 101, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 7855549249
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: 50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Fairmont

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Fairmont based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Fairmont


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Minnesota solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Fairmont

While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the startup costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • Your city: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost option for households that don’t consume too much energy a month.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.

Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you get and your energy consumption.

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Solar Incentives in Fairmont

One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other local incentives. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fairmont

Switching to solar energy can have a positive effect on the environment.Something many homeowners might be wondering about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? Something that can drastically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you switch to solar power and drive an electric car, you can significantly decrease your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds every year. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Fairmont residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Fairmont, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar installer in Fairmont?

In Fairmont, Austin Electric is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, completely erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 16.3 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

When should I put up solar panels?

You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.