15 Best Solar Companies in Mankato, MN (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Mankato based on:

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

Average Mankato homeowner saves $1,534/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 Mankato

Are you looking for energy freedom in Mankato? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can take advantage of many perks when you switch to solar power. With good levels of average daily sunlight in Mankato, the solar industry is growing steadily. An overlooked driver of this has been national and statewide programs that help with residential and commercial solar projects.

Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Mankato to make your choice a bit easier. To help you understand 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 Mankato by clicking the button below.

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 Mankato

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

The Retrofit Companies, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.retrofitcompanies.com/
Address: 1010 Hoffman Dr NW, Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: 8007951230
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

SolarPod

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://mysolarpod.com/
Address: 2915 133rd St W, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 7634047580
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Go Green Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.gogreenenergyonline.com/
Address: 1386 Rest Point Rd, Mound, MN 55364
Phone: 9523346400
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

EVS, Inc.

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.evs-eng.com/
Address: 10025 Valley View Rd #140, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: 9526460236
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Shared Solar Advisors USA

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sharedsolaradvisors.com/
Address: 3800 American Blvd W Suite 1500, Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone: 2072034094
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Everlight Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.everlightsolar.com/
Address: 7369 Hwy 13 W, Savage, MN 55379
Phone: 6123551269
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Austin Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

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

3.0/5

Good Steward Consulting

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.goodstewardconsulting.com/
Address: 122 W Main St, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5075520024
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Sundial Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.sundialsolarenergy.com/
Address: 3363 Republic Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 9529228560
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: 50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Zinniel Electric Co

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: http://www.zinnielelectric.com/
Address: 25955 Co Rd 27, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
Phone: 8008177930
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

iDEAL Energies

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.idealenergies.com/
Address: 8318 Pillsbury Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Phone: 6129285008
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Plastics LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.solarplastics.com/
Address: 860 Johnson Dr, Delano, MN 55328
Phone: 7639725600
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Green Solar Group

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://usagreensolar.org/
Address: 233 School Ave, Excelsior, MN 55331
Phone: 2182935880
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Resolve Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.resolvesolarmn.com/
Address: 604 Shimmcor St, Mayer, MN 55360
Phone: 6127990605

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Mankato

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Mankato 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 Mankato


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 Mankato

For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels depends the most on the cost. There are several factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • The kind of solar panel system you have the money for: This is dependent on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Your home's power bills: Based on the fairly high monthly power bills in Mankato, you could save about $1,400 a year with solar.
  • Energy consumption: Solar may be too pricey an investment for homes that don't need too much energy per month.

Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Mankato

In order to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar more affordable and accessible. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local benefits, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Mankato

Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a compelling way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future. A question many might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like Mankato where energy use is rather high, going solar is a fantastic plan for households who are worried about the state of the planet. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is renewable and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help the planet.

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 Mankato, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installer in Mankato?

The top local solar company in Mankato is The Solar Store Mankato, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it's eco-friendly, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the startup costs are high and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 10.4 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.

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.