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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Albert Lea. A new solar energy system can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Albert Lea. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electrical contractor or electrician license from the Department of Labor and Industry, along with a residential building or remodeling contractors' license in some cases. If their work is regulated by the state's Mechanical Code, they must put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Check consumer review platforms like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.
In Albert Lea, solar panels cost an average of $4,030 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.1 kilowatts. The typical Albert Lea homeowner spends $20,080 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's panel type, size, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of sales tax
Incentive Amount:
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Natural Gas Furnace Existing Home: $200-$400
Natural Gas Furnace New Construction: $100-$200
Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler: $100-$400
ECM Furnace: $100
Central AC: $150-$450
Tank Water Heater: $75-$500
Tankless Water Heater: $250
Attic/Wall Insulation: 30% of project cost
Air Sealing: $150-$200
Furnaces: $200-$425
Boilers: $125-$400
ECM Motor Furnace Fan: $125
Programmable Thermostat: $10
Heat Pumps: $175-$475
Water Heating: $100-$250
Clothes Washer: $10
Refrigerator: $15
Ground Source Heat Pump: $150/ton
Incentive Amount:
Dishwasher: $35
Clothes Washer: $35
Electric Clothes Dryer: $35
Refrigerator: $35
Freezer: $35
Dehumidifier: $20
Room/Window A/C: $35
High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $35
Central A/C Tune-Up: $35
Central A/C: $200-$350
Mini Split/Ductless A/C: $250
ECM Replacement Motor: $100
Furnaces: $200-$375
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Air Source Heat Pump: $250
Geothermal Heat Pump: $100/ton
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Albert Lea, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Albert Lea gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 14.7 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Albert Lea area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
