The Best Solar Companies in Minnesota 2023

Choosing the right solar installation company is probably the most important decision in your solar panel investment. When you’re looking for the best solar installer in Minnesota, it can be overwhelming.

How do you know you’re choosing the right one? Like any other industry, the solar industry has its fair share of fast-talking salespeople, high-pressure tactics, and inflated performance claims.

So, we created an honest list of the best solar companies in Minnesota based on several different factors. We wanted a brutally honest top ten because you, as a consumer, deserve to trust where your money goes.

Note: ZERO of these companies paid us to be on this list. This list is our unbiased take on the best solar companies in MN.

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    Top 10 Residential Solar Companies in Minnesota

    all energy solar mn

    All Energy Solar

    Saint Paul, MN

    trunorth solar

    TruNorth Solar

    Arden Hills, MN

    cedar creek energy mn

    Cedar Creek Energy

    Blaine, MN

    live wire solar

    Live Wire Solar

    Blaine, MN

    solar connection inc

    Solar Connection Inc.

    Rochester, MN

    mn solar

    MN Solar

    Watertown, MN

    optimum solar group

    Optimum Solar Group

    St Paul, MN

    sunbadger soalr

    Sun Badger Solar

    Minneapolis, MN

    powerfully green mn

    Powerfully Green

    Minneapolis

    solar pod mn

    SolarPod

    Burnsville, MN

    How We Calculated the Top Solar Installers

    We combed the web and did a deep dive into all the solar companies in Minnesota. We read and averaged reviews from multiple websites, dug up warranties, accreditations, financing options, product options, experience, employee satisfaction, and more.

    We looked at the following factors:

    • Reviews
    • Do they have NABCEP accreditation?
    • Do they have BBB accreditation?
    • How do their warranties look?
    • Do they offer financing options?
    • Do they offer product options?
    • Do they use quality products?
    • How long have they been in business?
    • How many customers have they serviced?
    • How many employees do they have?
    • How is their employee satisfaction?
    • Company website

    How to Choose the Top Solar Installer

    • Read up on the solar installer’s reviews and client testimonials
    • Find out about the warranties offered
    • Check the solar installer’s credentials and accreditations
    • Ask for the turnaround time
    • Look for customized solutions
    • Decide whether you want a national or local solar installation company.
    • Get multiple quotes. Get a quote from at least 3 solar companies.

    Minnesota Solar Energy Incentives

    Federal ITC
    MN residents can take advantage of the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your total income tax liability. If your system costs $10,000, you could claim a $3,000 credit on the federal taxes you owe.  The tax credit carries forward multiple years in case your federal tax liability is low.

    Other solar financial incentives to look for (not available in every state):

    • State tax credits
    • Net metering
    • SRECs – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates
    • Utility companies sometimes offer incentives
    • City and county-level incentives
    • Tax exemptions – sales and property value increase

    How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Minnesota?

    The average cost of solar panels (including installation) in Minnesota is $2.93 per watt.  The average cost of a 5kW solar panel system in MN is $14,650, and $10,841 after the federal tax credit. 

    Average payback period in MN: 7.5 years
    Average 20-year savings in MN: $32,800

    Factors that determine your total cost

    • Size of the system
    • Equipment
    • Solar installation company
    • Solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates
    • Solar financing options
    • Payback period
    • Electricity rates in Minnesota
    • Roof condition
    • Costs by city
    • Home value increase

    Minnesota Solar Energy Facts

    • Solar Installed (MW): 1,731
    • National Ranking: 16th (29th in 2021)
    • Enough Solar Installed to Power: 230,486 homes
    • Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 3.6%
    • Solar Jobs in MN: 4,570
    • Solar Installers in MN: 138

    Data current through Q3 2022
    Source: seia.org