10 Best Solar Companies in Bloomington, MN

How To Choose a Solar Company

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 researching local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best 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 have a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies for 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.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

• Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed over time through leases or loans. Verify all terms when financing, including annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
• Look into utility rebates: More discounts might be available from utility companies looking to motivate homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Bloomington

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the technology used. The typical Bloomington solar array has a capacity of 7.2 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt; the average Bloomington homeowners spends about $20,316 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.