3 Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Grand Rapids based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Grand Rapids, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Grand Rapids homeowner saves $1,486/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
When you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Grand Rapids, going through hundreds of options can be daunting, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great perks. Though Grand Rapids may not have a reputation for sunshine like Florida, it's a surprisingly hot place for solar growth, so a lot of the best solar companies in the nation have expanded to there to help residents embrace renewable energy.
There are so many installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Grand Rapids.To help you know if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Grand Rapids by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
Nelson Collie Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Todavich Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all.Some important things that impact the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that use a lot of electricity each month may call for more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- The kind of solar panel system you have the money for: This hinges on your income and budget.
- Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $18,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Grand Rapids homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Grand Rapids
If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy, various government incentives and subsidies can greatly bring down the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment.These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower how much you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. For more information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Grand Rapids
Going solar can have a meaningful effect on the environment.You may be wondering – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? Using clean energy for electricity instead of burning fossil fuels is an effective way to lower your carbon footprint if you want to help reduce Grand Rapids' large level of greenhouse gas emissions.Though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Grand Rapids, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. The good things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
EcoWatch's Grand Rapids, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Grand Rapids, Nelson Collie Electric is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs 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 great investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.