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Best Solar Companies in Minnesota

We compared 47 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Green Home Systems
      2.9(54)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Minnesota

      If you've been thinking about switching to solar power but feel overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. We’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our top solar company picks

      To choose the top solar companies in Minnesota, we compared popular options on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,567,379 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies, reviewed

      Blue Raven Solar and Green Home Systems are both worth considering for professional solar panel installations — we suggest comparing quotes to see who has the best deal in your area. If you already know what you need for a do-it-yourself project, start with ShopSolar.

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      We've talked to more than 200 verified Blue Raven Solar customers. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the technology. We also like that it has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments.

      • “The customer service was topnotch! A dedicated team guided me throughout the process from getting the necessary city permits. Worth noting the application fees were all covered by Blue Raven Solar. They even assisted me in getting the approvals from my HOA. The installation proper took shorter than I expected. I got guidance on the possible locations to plug some of my heavy appliances in order to minimize energy waste during the peak periods.” — Abongmbu in Ramsey

      Kevin in Cottage Grove didn’t like that there wasn’t a clear timeline to turn in his system. “The process took several months and I had to make several calls to make sure things were still progressing,” he told us. “Other than that, it’s been a great experience!”

      Blue Raven Solar offers a simple and affordable way to go solar. Installers specialize in low-profile solar systems that are designed to withstand Minnesota's variable climate. Services are currently available in Minneapolis and St. Cloud.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven Solar has a standard 25-year warranty. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower battery (12-year warranty) and the Tesla Powerwall 3 battery (10-year warranty).

      • Cash: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system.
      • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and then make fixed monthly payments. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • Zero-down financing options
      • Quality solar equipment
      • Solid warranty on all installations

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some communication issues
      Our pick for long-term savings

      Green Home Systems

      2.9
      54 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2017

      Green Home Systems is a good option for Minnesota homeowners who want a smooth transition to clean energy. Happy customers often tell us about reliable system performance and like seeing savings on energy bills.

      • “I got a clear-cut quote. They explained the process of what goes in and out, got it set up with the installers, got the system installed and up and running. It took a little bit longer than I wanted, but overall, my experience with them was good. … You can look on your phone what's going on and if it's charging or not. All the inverters are good quality. The panels all seem to be high-quality components too. I was happy with the service.” — Andrew in Harris

      The equipment and installation get positive feedback, but there have also been issues with communication, delays and unexpected additional costs.

      Green Home Systems sources solar panels from Panasonic, Qcells, LONGi, Mission and URE. Batteries come from Enphase, Tigo, SolarEdge, FranklinWH or LGchem Battery; inverters are made by Enphase, SolarEdge, Tigo or Solis. You can also get Generac backup generators, IronRidge racking systems and Span Smart electrical panels.

      Green Home Systems services

      • Residential solar installations
      • Commercial solar installations
      • Energy monitoring
      • Financing solutions

      Green Home Systems provides a 25-year warranty on solar panels and inverters. Batteries come with a 10-year warranty.

      • Cash: You can pay for your solar power system upfront, which gives you potentially better long-term savings on electricity costs.
      • Loan: You can finance through a solar loan with APR starting as low as 0.99% (on approved credit).

      Pros

      • Financing available
      • Energy storage options
      • 25-year guarantee

      Cons

      • Some battery backup issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar specializes in do-it-yourself-friendly solar solutions, including custom solar kits. The DIY approach can cost thousands less than typical solar installs, and you can still get quality gear.

      ShopSolar sends detailed installation instructions but doesn’t provide professional installation services. You might have difficulties, especially if you have little experience with solar or electrical systems. Some customers buy equipment from ShopSolar and then hire an independent contractor to do the actual installation.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells solar panels and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar storage batteries
      • Inverters
      • Charge controllers
      • Cabling and hardware
      • Mounts and racks

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Minnesota solar panel buyers guide

      Our team has heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including several in Minnesota. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels.

      Key insights

      In Minnesota, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,815 to $30,900, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the best solar incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Minnesota.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      How much does it cost to go solar in Minnesota?

      Average solar panel costs in Minnesota typically range between $10,815 and $30,900. This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels ($7,000 to $18,000). The size of your system and what incentives you’re eligible for are the other biggest factors in your total solar cost.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Minnesota

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. A solar loan works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay it back over time with interest. Leasing solar equipment is a good option if you don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      You get the most savings from going solar if you purchase your system upfront, but the significant initial investment leads many people to get a solar loan. If you finance, it’s worth it if your monthly loan payment is cheaper than your current monthly utility bill.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Are solar panels worth it in Minnesota?

      Solar panels can be a worthwhile investment in Minnesota. For some, it’s all about saving money. For others, solar is worth it for the environmental benefits.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      The financial benefits of solar panels may not be as significant as in states with more sunshine or higher electricity costs, but there are still significant long-term savings. On average, Minnesotans with solar panels can avoid $59,279 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      What to look for in a solar company in Minnesota

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment, NABCEP-certified installers and comprehensive warranties. These hiring best practices will help you choose an installer that delivers top-quality system performance.

      • Check certifications: Solar panel installers must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. You can confirm this through the Solar Business Directory. Minnesota Department of Commerce suggests Clean Energy Project Builders, Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Minnesota. Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services.

      Solar incentives in Minnesota

      Solar equipment is 100% exempt from sales tax in Minnesota. Several local rebates are also available: Minnesota Power’s SolarSense rebate program is good for up to $10,000 (or 60% of installed costs, whichever is less). Austin Utilities, Dakota Electric, Rochester Public Utilities and Owatonna Public Utilities offer solar panel rebates of up to $500.

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the most significant financial incentive for a lot of homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $2,000. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. Any unused portion carries over to the next tax year. However, it is possible to get a refund check if the credit makes it so that you overpaid during the year.

      » EXPLORE: Minnesota solar incentives

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Minnesota averages 3.5 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      Can I get free solar panels in Minnesota?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Minnesota. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      Do I really need a solar battery?

      A solar battery lets you store the energy you produce so you can use it when your system is not generating power. It helps you increase your energy independence and is essential if you want to go off-grid.

      How does net metering work in Minnesota?

      Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. 

      Net metering also lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      In general, homeowners associations are not allowed to block the installation of solar panels by homeowners. There are some limited restrictions that owners must follow in order to install panels at their homes.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Minnesota customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Minnesota. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Minnesotans’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Blue Raven Solar
      • Green Home Systems
      • ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Minnesota Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Minnesota." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Minnesota Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Minnesota, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, "Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics." Accessed May 6, 2024.
        7. Minnesota Department of Commerce, “Solar Energy for Homes.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2024.

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