Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Hopkins residents. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a trustworthy solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Hopkins.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. 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 carry a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Hopkins varies depending on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $4,030 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Hopkins are 7.2 kilowatts, and the typical Hopkins homeowners spends $20,316 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and 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) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Hopkins can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 Hopkins, the average amount someone can save is $1,431 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Hopkins with moderate sunlight, the period could last 14.2 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
While solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend 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 help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The most common types of home solar panels in Hopkins include monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Ask your local provider about which solar panels they work with.
