8 Best Solar Companies in Marion, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Marion based on:

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

Average Marion homeowner saves $1,656/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 Marion

If you’re a homeowner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Marion, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the hard work is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a great idea. Solar power isn't just good for the Earth — your budget will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $20,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.


If you want to make use of the great amount of perks of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the Marion solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.To get an idea of how much it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

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 Marion

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Connection

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: 6254 34th Ave NW a, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072928400
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Kuntz Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades

Website: http://www.kuntzelectric.net/
Address: 6254 34th Ave NW a, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072859658
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Austin Electric

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

Services Offered

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

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

Champion Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.championsolar.com/
Address: 7010 US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959
Phone: 5073120190
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Olson Solar Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.olsonsolarenergy.com/
Address: 1447 Oak Forest Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: 6087802347
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

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

Midwest Solars

  • 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://midwestsolars.com/
Address: 910 Countryside Pkwy, Mondovi, WI 54755
Phone: 3214469029
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Connection Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: 920 10th Ave N, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: 6087814683

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Marion

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


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 Marion

The cost of putting up a solar panel system has dropped greatly over the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.Some key things that affect the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • The type of solar panels you can buy: This depends on what your budget is.
  • How much electricity your home consumes: Households that consume lots of power each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
  • Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your utility bills, which can lead to an average of $20,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can substantially reduce, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Marion, you can save an average of $1,375 a month.

Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the size of your house and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Marion

Although a solar power system is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over time due to lower power bills and government incentives.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Marion

There are tons of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.You may be wondering – how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? The more power your family uses, the better off the planet will be from you switching to solar as you won’t have to rely on traditional energy sources as much.Although solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Marion, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

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 Marion, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Marion?

The highest-rated local solar company in Marion is Solar Connection, with a rating of 4.80 stars.

What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of switching to solar?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.