17 Best Solar Companies in Forest Lake, MN (Jul 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Forest Lake based on:
-
Customer review scores
-
Solar installers near you
-
Company policies and services offered
-
Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Updated 7/19/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Forest Lake
As a homeowner in Forest Lake, you may be planning on switching to solar energy and curious about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with lots of perks. On average, your family can save $20,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be even higher overall.
Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Forest Lake to make your decision a little easier. Want to know how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Forest Lake solar installer.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Forest Lake


Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market
-
National coverage
-
Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
-
Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive
-
Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries
-
EV Chargers
-
System Monitoring


Local Service
All Energy Solar, Inc.
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
NABCEP-certified technicians
-
Educational sales approach
-
Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
-
Some reports of long wait times for installation
-
Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries


Nationwide Service
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
-
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
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries
-
EV Chargers
-
Solar Roof Shingles
-
System Monitoring


Local Service
Cedar Creek Energy Corporation
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Custom system designs
-
More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Offers a free quote process
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries


Local Service
Apadana Solar Technologies
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Licensing and credentials transparency
-
Custom system designs
-
More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Batteries
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Solar Bear LLC
-
More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Makes charitable contributions
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries


Local Service
Solar Farm LLC
-
Educational sales approach
-
NABCEP-certified technicians
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels


Regional Service
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
-
Expansive service area
-
Makes charitable contributions
-
Certified B Corp
-
No leases or PPAs
-
Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels
-
Solar Batteries
-
Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
-
Maintenance & Repairs


Local Service
Blue Horizon Energy LLC
-
Licensing and credentials transparency
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Batteries
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Solar Oven Society
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Minnesota Renewable Energies, Inc.
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Batteries
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Direct Energy Solar
-
Educational sales approach
-
More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Resolve Solar LLC
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Solar Attic, Inc
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Solar Connection, Inc.
-
Offers a free quote process
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
Sunrise Energy Ventures
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Batteries
-
Solar Panels


Local Service
SolarStone Partners LLC
-
Can browse portfolio on website
-
More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Educational sales approach
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services
-
Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Forest Lake
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your panels. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- The kind of solar panels you want: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that need a lot of electricity each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to decrease your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Forest Lake homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to find out how much switching to solar could help the Earth and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Forest Lake, MN.
{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Forest Lake
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 26% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. The table below tells you about the incentives you can take advantage of in Forest Lake.
Name | ITC |
Type | Tax Incentive |
Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
Website | Visit here |
Name | Fix-Up Loan |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption |
Incentive Amount | Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes |
Incentive Max | None |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants |
Incentive Amount | Varies |
Incentive Max | Varies by RFP details |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
Incentive Max | None |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program |
Incentive Amount | Residential Systems: $0.07 per kWh produced over 10 years. Income-Qualified Residential Systems: $0.07 per kWh produced over 10 years, plus $2.00/W up-front. Income-Qualified Multifamily: $0.06 per kWh produced over 10 years, plus $1.00/W up-front. Income-Qualified Solar Garden: $0.06 per kWh produced over 10 years, plus $0.50/W up-front. Commercial Systems: $0.06 per kWh produced over 10 years |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest Lake
Going solar can have a beneficial effect on the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Forest Lake, though. No matter where you are, you can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume more energy will have an even greater impact. In Forest Lake, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. If you care about the environment, you'll likely find that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Forest Lake, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Forest Lake?
In Forest Lake, All Energy Solar, Inc. is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.96 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.