17 Best Solar Companies in Marion, MN (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 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 May 04, 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 Marion

As a homeowner in Marion, you may be considering switching to solar energy and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it comes with many benefits. Solar panels aren't just good for the Earth — your bank account will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $20,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.

There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Marion. To help you find out if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Marion 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 Marion

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Kuntz Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.kuntzelectric.net/
Address: Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: 5072859658
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EnergyBin

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://energybin.com/contact-sales
Address: Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 8006103579
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rochester Public Utilities

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://rpu.org/
Address: Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 5072801500
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Connection

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072928400
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

People's Energy Cooperative

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.peoplesrec.com/
Address: Oronoco, MN 55960
Phone: 5073677000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Champion Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Austin Electric

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.austinelectric.net/
Address: Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 5074348080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MiEnergy Cooperative

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.mienergy.coop/
Address: Cresco, IA 52136
Phone: 8004322285
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The Retrofit Companies, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.retrofitcompanies.com/
Address: Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: 8007951230
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Riverland Energy Cooperative

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.riverlandenergy.com/
Address: Holmen, WI 54636
Phone: 6087832238
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Midwest Solars

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://midwestsolars.com/
Address: Mondovi, WI 54755
Phone: 3214469029
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hayward Solar Project

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://haywardsolarproject.com/
Address: Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5073203142
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

greenpenny

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.greenpenny.bank/
Address: Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: 8884736690

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

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your panels. Some important things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:

  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can substantially lower, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In Marion, you can save an average of $124 a month.
  • How much power your household needs: If your household needs to use a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
  • The model of solar panel system you can afford: This hinges on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.

So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you're trying to decrease your energy bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Marion homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Marion

Switching to solar power has plenty of considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, see our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Marion

Many want to do what they can to help protect the environment, which in many cases is the primary reason for installing a solar system. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? In a city like Marion where energy use is rather high, switching to solar energy is a great plan for those who want to do their part for the environment. In Marion, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other benefits beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the planet too.

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

Which solar company is the best in Marion?

The top local solar company in Marion is Sisu Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, totally eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.

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 9.6 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.