13 Best Solar Companies in St. Cloud, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in St. Cloud based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for St. Cloud, MN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average St. Cloud homeowner saves $1,548/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

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 St. Cloud

Hoping to obtain energy freedom in St. Cloud? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can enjoy lots of benefits when you go solar. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $18,000 on your power bills.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially according to your home’s setup and your household energy requirements.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in St. Cloud, click the "get quote" button below.

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 St. Cloud

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.rarenergy.us/
Address: 531 W Broadway St, Monticello, MN 55362
Phone: 6124307640
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Wolf River Electric Company

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: https://wolfriverelectric.com/
Address: 101 Isanti Parkway Northeast Suite G, Isanti, MN 55040
Phone: 7632296662
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://cedarcreekenergy.com/
Address: 3155 104th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Phone: 7634325261
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

TruNorth Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.trunorthsolar.com/
Address: 3735 Dunlap St N, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Phone: 6128889599
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

US Solar - United States Solar Corporation

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects

Website: https://us-solar.com/
Address: 100 N 6th St #410B, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 6122602230
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarPod

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Maintenance

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

Everlight Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.everlightsolar.com/
Address: 10501 Winnetka Ave N Suite 170, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Phone: 8337864387
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Apadana Solar Technologies

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.apadanasolartech.com/
Address: 3401 Nevada Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
Phone: 6128039000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Go Green Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.gogreenenergyonline.com/
Address: 1386 Rest Point Rd, Mound, MN 55364
Phone: 9523346400
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Renewable Solar Resources

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.renewable-solar.com/
Address: 1115 Vicksburg Ln N #18th, Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: 7634329074
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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Minneapolis

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://cedgreentechus.com/
Address: 420 37th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421
Phone: 7637603925
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greenway Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service

Website: http://greenwaysolar.org/
Address: 3018 E 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: 6124161518

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in St. Cloud

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud


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 St. Cloud

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your system.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • Your current electric bills: Solar panels can substantially decrease, or totally eliminate, your utility bills. In St. Cloud, you can save an average of $1,279 a month.
  • System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
  • Typical energy usage: The more electricity your household uses on average and the higher your current energy bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Adopting a renewable source of energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for St. Cloud, MN.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in St. Cloud

Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage its adoption.These incentives normally take the form of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in St. Cloud

If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? The more power your household uses, the the more the environment will benefit if you switch to solar since you won’t have to burn as many fossil fuels.Even though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In St. Cloud, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize 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 invaluable.

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 St. Cloud, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best in St. Cloud?

The top local solar company in St. Cloud is RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

Are solar panels actually good for the environment?

Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.