Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and created a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation providers in Ham Lake.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. 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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should explain all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs in the long run. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
The cost of home solar panels in Ham Lake varies depending on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $4,030 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Ham Lake are 7.2 kilowatts, and the typical Ham Lake homeowners spends $20,251 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their 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:
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. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar panels, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Ham Lake can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Of course. Ham Lake uses an equal mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will save you money and lower your home's individual emissions, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar contractor might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
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. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
