14 Best Solar Companies in North Mankato, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in North Mankato based on:
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Customer review scores
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Service area for North Mankato, MN
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Company policies and services offered
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Accreditations and certifications
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Average North Mankato homeowner saves $1,591/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in North Mankato
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in North Mankato. With good levels of average daily sunlight in North Mankato, the solar industry is growing steadily. An overlooked reason for this growth has been national incentives that support residential and commercial solar panel installation.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area. To get a sense of what it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 North Mankato

SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market
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National coverage
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Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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Great warranty coverage
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Expensive
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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System Monitoring

Palmetto Solar
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Expansive service area
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Makes charitable contributions
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Certified B Corp
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No leases or PPAs
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Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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Maintenance & Repairs

Tesla Energy
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Price-match guarantee
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Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
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Best solar battery on the market
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Some reported issues with customer service
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Solar Roof Shingles
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System Monitoring

The Solar Store Mankato
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Free Quotes
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Tailored solutions
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Expert panel installation

Zinniel Electric Co
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Free Quotes
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Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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End-to-end services
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Business installations
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Expert panel installation
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Home installations
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Tailored solutions

The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Free Quotes
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Informative Resources
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Recognized Excellence
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation
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Business installations
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End-to-end services
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Tailored solutions
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Home installations

SolarPod
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Free Quotes
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Prompt Service Delivery
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Tailored solutions
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Expert panel installation
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Business installations
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Integrated roofing
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Home installations

Resolve Solar LLC
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Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations
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Expert panel installation
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Tailored solutions

Hayward Solar Project
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Free Quotes
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations
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Tailored solutions
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Expert panel installation
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Energy storage solutions

Good Steward Consulting
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Informative Resources
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Free Quotes
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations
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Expert panel installation
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Energy storage solutions
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Tailored solutions

Everlight Solar
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Prompt Service Delivery
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Free Quotes
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Informative Resources
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Energy storage solutions
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Expert panel installation
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Tailored solutions
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Home installations

JUHL CLEAN ENERGY ASSETS, INC
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Free Quotes
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Informative Resources
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Tailored solutions
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Home installations
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Energy storage solutions

American Green Solar Group
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Business installations
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Home installations
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Expert panel installation

American Energy LLC
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Outstanding Customer Support
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Informative Resources
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Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation
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Tailored solutions
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Energy storage solutions
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Integrated roofing
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Home installations
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Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in North Mankato
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in North 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 North 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 North Mankato
We know that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar rests on installation costs. A few key factors that influence the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical family in North Mankato shells out around $1,400 a year on home energy use alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less 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 energy bills, which can generate an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Due to North Mankato's relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your electricity bills.
There are several good benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the environment and your bank account. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for North Mankato, MN.
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Solar Incentives in North Mankato
Switching to solar power has a lot of considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the Earth, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives. In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level incentives, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For more information about incentives for homeowners in North Mankato, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in North Mankato
A lot of people want to do their part to help save the planet, which for many is the primary reason for installing solar panels. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? How much energy you use is a key factor to think about. The more electricity you use, the greater your impact when you make the switch to solar power. In North Mankato, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with committing to solar.
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 North Mankato, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
In North Mankato, Sisu Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 10.0 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When should I install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.