Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in North Branch. A rooftop solar array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in North Branch. These top providers offer high-quality and reliable services.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly 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 have a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In North Branch, solar panels cost an average of $4,030 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.2 kilowatts. The typical North Branch homeowner spends $20,377 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, size, required preliminary work, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease 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:
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) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, qualify for tax benefits, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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 North Branch, the average amount someone can save is $1,535 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like North Branch with moderate sunlight, the period could last 13.3 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
While solar energy is a valuable 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.
