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10 Best Solar Companies in Apple Valley, MN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Apple Valley homes. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we put together a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Apple Valley. These providers offer dependable quality service.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Apple Valley

Everlight Solar

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7369 Hwy 13 W, Savage, MN 55379 (612) 355-1269 everlightsolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Residential panels
Consultation
Permit assistance

iSolar

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455 Broadway Ave, St Paul Park, MN 55071 (651) 565-1140 isolarmn.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Consultation
Maintenance
Commercial panels
Cleaning
Residential panels
Financing assistance

Greenway Solar

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3018 E 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (612) 416-1518 greenwaysolar.org

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Full-service
Battery storage
Residential panels
Tesla powerwall
Commercial panels

Sisu Solar

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499 W Lynnhurst Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 (218) 248-0212 sisusolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Residential panels

SolarPod

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2915 133rd St W, Shakopee, MN 55379 (763) 404-7580 mysolarpod.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Services Offered

Off-grid solar systems
Grid-tied solar system
Commercial panels
Maintenance
Residential panels

US Solar - United States Solar Corporation

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100 N 6th St #410B, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 260-2230 us-solar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Community solar projects
Residential panels

Apadana Solar Technologies

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3401 Nevada Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427 (612) 803-9000 apadanasolartech.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Community solar projects
Residential panels
Solar panel upgrades
Commercial panels
Financing assistance

Renewable Solar Resources

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1115 Vicksburg Ln N #18th, Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 432-9074 renewable-solar.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Permit assistance
Financing assistance
Consultation
Community solar projects
Residential panels

BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging

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127 E County Rd C #4, Little Canada, MN 55117 (651) 497-1295 blueskyelectricco.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

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Services Offered

Residential panels
Ev charger
Commercial panels

TruNorth Solar

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3735 Dunlap St N, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (612) 888-9599 trunorthsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Maintenance
Residential panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electrician or electrical contractor 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 have a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time through leases or loans. Review all terms when financing, such as annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to switch to solar power. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local electric company to find out what your savings could be.

Cost of Solar Installation in Apple Valley

The average Apple Valley homeowner will spend around $20,281 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Apple Valley cost approximately $4,030 per kilowatt, with an average size of 7.2 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Apple Valley Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

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 Type: Grant Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energywisemn.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies by measure and member cooperative offering.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: bpu.org

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

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: connexusenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

$7,500
OR
$20,000

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: dakotaelectric.com

Incentive Amount:

LEDs: up to $2/bulb
LED Yard Light: $30/fixture
Clothes Dryer: $25
Central AC/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $25
Central A/C Installation: $280- $330 depending on SEER rating
Air-Source Heat Pump Installation: $480- $630 depending on SEER rating
Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300 - $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/ton
Electric Thermal Storage Heat: $50/kW
Electric Water Heater: Up to $400
Heat Pump Water Heater: up to $400
Refrigerator: $75
Freezer: $75
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $75
ECM Furnace Motor: $100
Pool Pump Variable Speed Motor: $200
Air-Source Heat Pump Pool Heater: $400
Solar Panel Installation: $0.50/watt of installed solar, not to exceed $4,000
Load Management: Varies

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid

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: Loan Program

Website: mnhousing.gov

Incentive Amount:

$15,000. Applicants may be eligible for higher loan and term amounts depending on income

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% of sales tax

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: mn.gov

Incentive Amount:

1.5¢/kWh
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: mncee.org

Incentive Amount:

$20,000

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Apple Valley, MN

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Apple Valley, the average amount someone can save is $1,388 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Apple Valley gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 14.6 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.

The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Apple Valley area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.

While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

With respect 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 consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

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