Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Owatonna. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing providers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Owatonna. These installers consistently deliver excellent service.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. 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 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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 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 cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Owatonna depends on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $4,030 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Owatonna are 7.2 kilowatts, and the typical Owatonna homeowners spends $20,208 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:
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
Incentive Amount:
Water Rebates
Clothes Washer (ENERGY STAR): $25 - $100 per unit
Toilets: $25 per toilet
Rain Barrels: $10 per barrel
Flushometer Valve: $50
WaterSense Showerhead: $25
Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers : $75 per controller
Electric Rebates
Clothes Washer: $25-$100
Dehumidifier: $15-$25
Refrigerator/Freezer: $25
Room AC: $25
Appliance Recycling: Up to $15
Lighting: 50% of bulb or fixture cost
Central AC: $100
Air Source Heat Pump: $100
Furnace Fan Motor: $125
Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton + $150/EER above minimum efficiency requirement + $250/desuperheater
Central AC Clean and Tune: $25
Natural Gas Rebates
Clothes Dryer: $50
Clothes Washer: $25-$100
Replacement Door: $25
Furnace: $100-$400
Boiler: $100-$350
Indirect-Fired Water Heater on HE Boiler: $100
Programmable Thermostat: $25-$75
Furnace/Boiler Clean and Tune: $25
Electronic Ignition Hearth: $75
Water Heater - Tank: $50-$150
Water Heater - Instantaneous: $200-$250
WaterSense Showerhead: $25
Attic Insulation: $125-$300
Attic Air Sealing: $200
Rim Joist Sealing: $150
Wall Insulation: $200-$300
Renewable Rebates
Solar Photovoltaic: $0.50 per Watt
Solar Water Heater: $15 per sq ft NET aperture
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Yes. Owatonna uses an equal mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
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 Owatonna amount to $1,403.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once per season. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
