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8 Best Solar Companies in Mankato, MN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Mankato homes. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Mankato. These installers offer excellent service.

Our Recommended Providers

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  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service

Top 8 Best Solar Companies in Mankato

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

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Residential panels
Permit assistance

SolarPod

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

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

Everlight Solar

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

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Permit assistance
Consultation

American Energy LLC

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50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 (507) 383-1547 americanenergysolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Financing assistance
Commercial panels

Austin Electric

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1111 5th Pl SE, Austin, MN 55912 (507) 434-8080 austinelectric.net

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Family-operated business

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Consultation
Maintenance

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

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

Go Green Energy

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

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Residential panels

American Green Solar Group

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233 School Ave, Excelsior, MN 55331 (218) 293-5880 usagreensolar.org

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Residential panels
Commercial panels
Maintenance
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 save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly 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 carry a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on 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 three to five solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, 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.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through a lease or loan. Confirm all terms when financing, including annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
  • Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional discounts to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to determine your potential savings.
  • 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 lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Mankato

Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Mankato has a capacity of 7.1 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $4,030 per kilowatt; the average Mankato homeowners spends about $20,088 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 provider will account for factors such as the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.

Mankato Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: mvec.net

Incentive Amount:

Clothes Washer: $25
Freezer/Refrigerator: $25
Dishwasher: $25
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500
Mini Split Heat Pump: $300
Ground-Source Heat Pump: $200 per ton
Air Conditioner: $100
ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor): $50
Electric Resistance Heating Products: $10/kW
Central A/C or Heat Pump Tune-Up: $25
Electric Resistant Heating Products: $10/kW

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: mvec.net

Incentive Amount:

$5,000

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: connexusenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

$7,500
OR
$20,000

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 Mankato, 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 water heating system.

With home solar panels, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.

Yes. The grid in Mankato already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.

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 Mankato, the average amount someone can save is $1,366 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.

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, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Mankato gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 14.7 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.

Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar energy company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.

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

Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.

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