10 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Rochester based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Rochester, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,645/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rochester
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Rochester homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make switching to solar energy simpler. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $20,000 over 20 years.
Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Rochester to make your decision much easier. To help you understand 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 Rochester by clicking the button below.
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 Rochester
Champion Solar
-
Free Quotes - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Home installations - Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Solar Connection
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Kuntz Electric, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
Austin Electric
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
American Energy LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
MiEnergy Cooperative
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Midwest Solars
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Good Steward Consulting
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
greenpenny
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rochester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rochester 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 Rochester
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 Rochester
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has gone down immensely in the past few years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your energy bills: This will determine how much you can save. In Rochester, the average resident can save about $1,500 a year on their electricity bills.
- 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 lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your energy bills, which can result in an average of $20,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your income and budget: This determines what type of solar panels you can get.
- Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
As a result of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Rochester
Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Rochester.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a profound way to do your part for a more sustainable future. You may be trying to figure out — how much does going solar do for the environment anyway? No matter where you are, you can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have a greater impact. If you go solar, your carbon emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds every year. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Rochester residents 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 Rochester, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Rochester?
The highest-rated local solar company in Rochester is EnergyBin, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
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 9.7 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, 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 level 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.