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
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Average Mankato homeowner saves $1,534/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Mankato
The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
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Free Quotes - Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
SolarPod
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Go Green Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
EVS, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Shared Solar Advisors USA
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Everlight Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Austin Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Good Steward Consulting
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Sundial Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
American Energy LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Zinniel Electric Co
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
iDEAL Energies
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Plastics LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
American Green Solar Group
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Resolve Solar LLC
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
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 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 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.