4 Best Solar Companies in Sauk Centre, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Sauk Centre based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Sauk Centre, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Sauk Centre homeowner saves $1,353/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Sauk Centre
When choosing between the best solar installers, Sauk Centre homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we're here to make switching to solar energy less confusing. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $16,000 on your utility bills.
Here, we'll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Sauk Centre to make your choice a little easier. To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Sauk Centre, you can click "get quote" 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 Sauk Centre
Blattner Company
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Reliable Customer Support - Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
Runestone Electric Association
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Richards HVAC & Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Sunny Side Farm, Forest, & Fabrication
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Sauk Centre
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Sauk Centre 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 Sauk Centre
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 Sauk Centre
The cost of installing a solar panel system has gone down immensely in the past few years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. A few key factors that determine how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that need plenty of power each month may call for more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Sauk Centre, you can save an average of $100 a month.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.
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Use the calculator below to find out how much switching to solar could help the planet and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Sauk Centre, MN.
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Solar Incentives in Sauk Centre
If you're thinking about switching to solar energy, several government incentives and tax credits can dramatically reduce the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. Local solar incentive programs vary by 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 read about the incentives you qualify for in Sauk Centre.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Sauk Centre
One of the best reasons to switch to solar energy is to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? How much energy you use is a significant factor to think about. The more energy you use, the bigger your impact when you go solar. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Sauk Centre, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Sauk Centre, Talk Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.