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10 Best Solar Companies in Hutchinson, MN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Hutchinson. A solar panel array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Hutchinson.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Hutchinson

RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota

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531 W Broadway St, Monticello, MN 55362 (612) 430-7640 rarenergy.us

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Financing assistance
Permit assistance
Consultation

SolarPod

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

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Grid-tied solar system
Panel installation
Off-grid solar systems

Go Green Energy

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1386 Rest Point Rd, Mound, MN 55364 (952) 334-6400 gogreenenergyonline.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Battery storage

Renewable Solar Resources

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

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Community solar projects
Financing assistance
Permit assistance
Panel installation

Everlight Solar

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

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Consultation
Panel installation

Apadana Solar Technologies

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

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance
Community solar projects

Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota

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3155 104th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449 (763) 432-5261 cedarcreekenergy.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Community solar projects
Financing assistance
Tesla powerwall

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

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Community solar projects

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

Tesla powerwall
Battery storage
Panel installation

The Solar Store Mankato

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1420 N Riverfront Dr Suite 101, Mankato, MN 56001 (785) 554-9249 mankatosolarstore.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
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

Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

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

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy 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 add up to significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed over time with leases or loans. Verify key financing details like payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to encourage homeowners to go solar. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Hutchinson

In Hutchinson, solar panels cost an average of $4,030 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.1 kilowatts. The typical Hutchinson homeowner spends $20,002 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Hutchinson Solar Incentives Guide

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: 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 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: 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: Grant Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: connexusenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

$7,500
OR
$20,000

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energywisemn.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies by measure and member cooperative offering.

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: mncee.org

Incentive Amount:

$20,000

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: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: mn.gov

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: brightenergysolutions.com

Incentive Amount:

Air Source Heat Pump: $250/unit - $350/unit
Central A/C: $250 - $350
Central A/C Tune-up: $30
LED Lighting: $1.50 - $4.00
Clothes Washer: $25
Dehumidifier: $25
Refrigerator: $25
Furnace or Air Handler/Fan Coil with ECM: $150/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton
Heat Pump Water Heater: $75
Natural Gas Boiler or Furnace: $300 - $400
Programmable Thermostat: $25
Room A/C: $25
Tankless Gas Water Heater: $100
Storage Gas Water Heater: $100

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 Hutchinson, MN

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.

There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, 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 what type of panels you're installing. Hutchinson can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.

Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Hutchinson amount to $1,286.

Although solar energy is an ideal 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 help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Hutchinson. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Solar panels are gaining in popularity for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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