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:

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

Average North Mankato homeowner saves $1,591/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 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 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 North Mankato

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

The Solar Store Mankato

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://the-solar-store-mankato.business.site/
Address: 1420 N Riverfront Dr Suite 101, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 7855549249
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Zinniel Electric Co

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

Services Offered

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

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

The Retrofit Companies, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarPod

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://mysolarpod.com/
Address: 2915 133rd St W, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 7634047580
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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.resolvesolarmn.com/
Address: 604 Shimmcor St, Mayer, MN 55360
Phone: 6127990605
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hayward Solar Project

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://haywardsolarproject.com/
Address: 137 N Broadway Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5073203142
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Steward Consulting

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Everlight Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

JUHL CLEAN ENERGY ASSETS, INC

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://juhlcleanenergyassets.com/
Address: 470 W 78th St #250, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: 470W78thSt#250
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 Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: 50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547

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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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 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 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.