12 Best Solar Companies in Cottage Grove, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Cottage Grove based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Cottage Grove, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cottage Grove homeowner saves $1,761/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Cottage Grove
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Cottage Grove homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we're here to make making the switch to solar power simpler. While solar is a great investment, you'll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $21,000 over 20 years.
If you're considering going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in Cottage Grove and compare quotes. The great news is we took the time and came up with a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company near you right away 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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cottage Grove
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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
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
All Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Arch Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Greentech Renewables Madison
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Epic Electric and Solar Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Madison Solar Panels
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Midwest Solar Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Midwest Solar Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Sun Prairie Utilities
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cottage Grove
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin 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 Cottage Grove
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your panels. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your household's power bills: Because of very high monthly power bills in Cottage Grove, you could save about $1,600 a year with solar.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $21,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Cottage Grove homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Cottage Grove
There are many good reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money back after installing a solar panel system. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cottage Grove
There are a few key reasons why many people are considering solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. A question many might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? The more power your family uses, the the more the environment will benefit from you switching to solar since you won't need to burn as many fossil fuels. In Cottage Grove, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll no doubt recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Cottage Grove, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in Cottage Grove?
The top local solar company in Cottage Grove is Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it provides a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 8.3 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.