9 Best Solar Companies in Staples, MN (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Staples based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Staples
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Staples homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we're here to make making the switch to solar energy that much easier. With good levels of average daily sunlight in Staples, the solar industry is growing steadily. An overlooked driver of this has been Minnesota's statewide programs that help with residential and commercial solar projects.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Staples, you might realize that there are a lot of providers to choose from. So, we've put together a curated list of the top solar companies in the area. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the top Staples solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Staples
Local Service
Wolf River Electric Company
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Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
TM Electric LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Makes charitable contributions
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Blattner Company
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Richards HVAC & Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Makes charitable contributions
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Talk Solar
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Nationwide Service
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
Nationwide Service
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
Regional Service
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
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Staples
Although solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on energy bills over time, it's necessary to consider the upfront costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The kind of solar panels you can buy: This hinges on what your budget is.
- Your household's power bills: Based on the fairly high monthly energy bills in Staples, you could save about $1,200 a year with solar.
- How much power your household consumes: Households that use plenty of energy each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
There are many good benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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To see how much you can help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Staples, MN.
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Solar Incentives in Staples
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are some government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Staples
If you're thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint. Something many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? The more power your household uses, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar as you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. Even though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Staples, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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
EcoWatch's Staples, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Staples?
In Staples, Wolf River Electric Company is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great 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 detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.