13 Best Solar Companies in St Cloud, MN (2023 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 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 St Cloud

Looking for energy freedom in St Cloud? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since there are lots of perks when you switch to solar power. On average, you can save $18,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be even higher overall.

In this article, we'll tell you about the top St Cloud solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's clean energy needs. Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the 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 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

Apex Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.apexsolar.co/
Address: St Cloud, MN 56304
Phone: 3202594893
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Blattner Company

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.blattnercompany.com/
Address: Avon, MN 56310
Phone: 3203567351
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Reliable and Renewable Energy

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Plastics LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.solarplastics.com/
Address: Delano, MN 55328
Phone: 7639725600
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Connexus Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.connexusenergy.com/
Address: Ramsey, MN 55303
Phone: 7633232650
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Talk Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://talksolarenergy.com/
Address: Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: 3203518255
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Centre Electric Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://centre-electric.com/
Address: Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: 3203520160
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wolf River Electric Company

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Everlight Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.everlightsolar.com/
Address: Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Phone: 8337864387
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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.resolvesolarmn.com/
Address: Mayer, MN 55360
Phone: 6127990605

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

For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on pricing. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $18,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • How much you spend on energy: The average household in St Cloud shells out around $1,400 a year on energy use alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
  • Typical energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more benefits you'll see from making the switch to solar.
  • The model of solar panel system you can purchase: This depends on what your budget is.

Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the planet.

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Solar Incentives in St Cloud

Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over many years due to smaller energy bills and government incentives. These incentives mostly consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower how much you end up spending on installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in St Cloud.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in St Cloud

There are a few big reasons why many people want to invest in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in St Cloud, though. For homeowners and business owners who are concerned about global warming, going solar is an easy choice, especially since St Cloud produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation. Even though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In St Cloud, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

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 panel installer is the best near me?

In St Cloud, Sisu Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.

What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of switching to solar?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, totally erase your electricity bills, improve your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 10.3 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

When should I put up solar panels?

You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.

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.