12 Best Solar Companies in Orono, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Orono based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Orono, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Orono homeowner saves $1,479/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Orono
If you're a homeowner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Orono, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the hard work is worth it since adopting solar power is often a good choice. Plus, the solar industry is growing in Orono, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar panel installers in the country.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially according to your home's configuration and your overall energy needs. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the top Orono solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Orono
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Go Green Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
American Green Solar Group
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Renewable Solar Resources
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Blue Horizon Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
JUHL CLEAN ENERGY ASSETS, INC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
National Renewable Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Solar Plastics LLC
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
MN Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Agora Solar Supply
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Orono
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Orono 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 Orono
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 Orono
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels. There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Your home's power bills: Because of fairly high monthly electric bills in Orono, you could save about $1,300 a year with solar.
- The kind of solar panels you're thinking of getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more expensive, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: One thing 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 on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $18,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Orono uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
There are many great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Orono
In an effort to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money in return after paying for a solar panel system. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Orono
One of the most compelling reasons to use solar power is to cut your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Orono, though. In a city like Orono where energy use is rather high, installing solar panels is a fantastic idea for households who want to do their part for the environment. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Orono, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Orono is Sisu Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 10.8 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.