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March 17, 2024

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    Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but for Minnesotans shopping for rooftop solar, it also feels like the land of 10,000 solar companies. Minnesota residents have access to a plethora of high-quality solar companies, which is both a blessing and a curse due to the amount of research that needs to be done to find a solar provider that works for you.

    To make things a bit easier, we’ve gone ahead and compiled this list of the best solar companies in Minnesota.

    Highest Quality Panels

    4.4

    Installs high-quality Maxeon panels

    Outstanding customer support

    Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years

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    Best Damage Protection

    3.7

    Affordable prices

    Excellent selection of panels and services

    Locations in 22 states

    GET QUOTE
    Best Solar Financing
    blue raven logo

    4.3

    No payments needed for 18 months

    Provides in-house financing

    Offers top brands like LG and Trina

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    Best Customer Service

    3.9

    Highly rated customer service

    Provides  24/7 panel monitoring

    Solid A+ rating with the BBB

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    Compare the Best Solar Companies in Minnesota

    CompanyLogoStar RatingBest ForService AreaLink

    Highest Quality Panels

    All 50 states

    Best Regional Provider

    IA, IL, MA, MN, NH, & WI

    Outstanding Local Installer

    Minnesota

    blue raven logo

    Best Solar Financing

    22 states

    Outstanding Local Provider

    Minnesota

    Best for Customization

    Minnesota

    Outstanding Regional Installer

    Minnesota

    CompanyStar RatingBest ForService AreaBBB Rating

    Highest Quality Panels

    All 50 states

    A+

    Best Regional Provider

    IA, IL, MA, MN, NH, & WI

    A+

    Outstanding Local Installer

    Minnesota

    A+

    Best Solar Financing

    22 states

    A+

    Outstanding Local Provider

    Minnesota

    A+

    Best for Customization

    Minnesota

    A+

    Outstanding Regional Installer

    Minnesota

    NR


    Best Solar Installation Companies in Minnesota

    Below you’ll find an in-depth discussion of each of our top picks, followed by a general discussion of everything you need to consider before signing a solar contract.

    All Energy Solar: Best Regional Provider
    Best Regional Provider

    All Energy Solar

    4.4

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    No current offers

    All Energy Solar is an experienced solar company that’s been installing residential solar panel systems in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 2009. The company is a full-service solar installer, offering panels, battery storage, electric vehicle storage (EV), and system monitoring services. The company’s technicians are experienced and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and representatives are familiar with local Minnesota solar policies.

    More than 10 years of experience
    NABCEP-certified installers
    Well-respected in the solar industry
    Customer service is excellent
    Expensive
    Company Profile

    All Energy Solar is not a local Minnesota company, but it’s still one of the best clean energy companies available to Minnesotans. If you can stomach the elevated prices, you’ll be rewarded with outstanding service and access to high-quality equipment from top solar brands.

    Average Cost

    The only downside to choosing All Energy Solar is the price. The company’s systems are expensive and cost significantly more than similar systems from its competition. However, the company has extensive experience in the solar industry and an excellent track record of providing top-notch customer service, so the extra money is worth it.

    All Energy Solar’s biggest downside is its cost, which is significantly above the average price for solar in Minnesota.

    The company offers 25–30-year warranties for performance and variable-length warranties for equipment — most likely due to variations in the manufacturer’s warranty for parts from different brands.

    All Energy Solar is a full-service solar installer, offering solar panels, battery backups, general electrical work, and solar system monitoring.

    The company accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs).

    All Energy Solar has an extensive referral program that rewards you $25 for every customer you recommend who completes a consultation and $500 for every customer you recommend who decides to go solar with the company. Additionally, there is a tiered reward system that offers prizes for the most referrals in a given time period, with a grand prize of $2,500.

    All Energy Solar performs its own solar installations.

    All Energy Solar customs have access to equipment from several major solar brands, including Tesla, LG, REC, Enphase, SolarEdge, Longi, and JA Solar.

    All Energy Solar is a certified Tesla installer and its technicians are certified by NABCEP. The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains an impressive A+ rating.


    Featured Video: How Well Will Your Solar Panels Still Work When Covered In Snow?


    Outstanding Local Installer

    MN Solar and More, LLC

    4.1

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    No current offers

    If All Energy’s prices are too steep for your wallet, MN Solar and More, LLC offers an affordable alternative. The company is relatively young — it was founded in 2017 — but has already made a name for itself in the Twin City metro area.

    Fantastic customer service
    Good selection of services and brands
    In-house installations
    Local business
    Relatively inexperienced
    Limited coverage area
    Company Profile

    MN Solar and More offers a more personal feel than you’ll get from a national solar company, making it a great choice for homeowners who prefer one-on-one attention.

    The company gets excellent customer reviews and stocks an impressive variety of solar equipment from some of the best brands in the business. MN Solar also has a solid selection of solar services and extensive knowledge of local rules and regulations. The only negative is that the company works exclusively in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, so you’re out of luck if you live elsewhere.

    Average Cost

    MN Solar is more affordable than most solar companies that do business in Minnesota.

    Unfortunately, the company’s website doesn’t provide detailed information about its warranties, and it leaves coverage to the manufacturer.

    MN Solar offers solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, and general electrical work.

    The company accepts cash and offers solar loans, although its website doesn’t provide any details about the terms of its loans or its financing partners.

    As of this writing, MN Solar offers $250 for every friend or family member you refer who installs a solar system below 10 kW and $500 for systems above 10 kW.

    MN Solar handles your entire solar project internally, including installation.

    The company carries solar equipment from many leading brands, including SolarEdge, Hanwha SolarOne, Enphase, Silfab, LG, Jinko Solar, REC, and Canadian Solar.

    MN Solar is a NABCEP associate and a member of both the Minnesota chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).

    Best Solar Financing

    Blue Raven Solar

    4.3

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    8 Months Free & $0 Down On Installation

    Blue Raven Solar is a national solar energy company that services communities across Minnesota. The company is most well known for providing the best solar financing in the business through its in-house BluePower Plus+ program, but it also offers great prices and outstanding customer service. Unfortunately, Blue Raven keeps its prices down by offering a limited number of solar services from a select few brands, so it’s not the best choice for people seeking niche services.

    Best solar financing available
    Very affordable
    Great customer support
    Limited brand selection
    Only installs basic solar systems
    Company Profile

    Blue Raven is not a local Minnesota-based company but don’t let that scare you away. Customer reviews suggest that the company provides some of the best customer service in the solar industry, something of a rarity from a company of its size.

    Average Cost

    Blue Raven Solar’s prices are below average by Minnesota’s standards.

    Blue Raven offers good, but not great, solar warranties. The company covers equipment for 25 years but only offers 10 years of workmanship coverage, which is slightly below the industry standard.

    The company’s solar service selection is limited to solar panel installations, with battery storage coming soon, according to its website.

    Blue Raven Solar’s best offering is its BluePower Plus+ in-house financing program. Most solar companies outsource financing to a dedicated financier, but Blue Raven handles its loans internally, giving customers a more streamlined experience with fewer moving parts and points of contact. The program also provides more flexibility than you would find from most solar financing programs, with options for zero money down loans, delayed payment plans, and traditional loans with variable terms.

    Blue Raven has an extremely generous referral program that rewards you $1,000 for your first two referrals and $1,500 for each subsequent referral.

    Blue Raven Solar is an all-in-one solar company with installations conducted by an in-house team.

    Unfortunately, the company’s equipment selection is limited to Silfab, Q Cells, and Trina. While these companies offer solid equipment, they’re not as efficient as the equipment you’ll get from brands like Tesla or SunPower.

    Blue Raven has a humanitarian partnership with GivePower to bring clean drinking water to areas that need it by leveraging solar-powered desalination.

    Outstanding Local Provider

    Winona Renewable Energy

    4.0

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    No current offers

    Winona Renewable Energy has been providing residential solar services to homeowners throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin since 2010. The company handles initial surveying, system design, procurement, and customer support — virtually the entire process except for the installation. While we generally advise customers to choose companies that use in-house teams, Winona Renewable Energy contracts its installations to local Minnesota-licensed electricians.

    Over 10 years of experience
    Competitive prices
    Excellent BBB rating
    Website lacks basic information
    Doesn’t disclose what brands it uses
    Company Profile

    Winona Renewable Energy plays its hand close to the vest, choosing not to disclose what equipment it uses or its financing options publicly. This may rub some people the wrong way, but the company is happy to work with you to customize your system, so it’s not too much of an issue once you begin your solar project.

    The company has excellent reviews and offers competitive prices, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a local solar company. The only negative thing we can say is that the company’s website is confusing to navigate and lacks essential information, making it necessary to call and schedule a free quote to get details.

    Average Cost

    Winona Renewable Energy’s prices are reasonable, although they’re not as affordable as some companies higher up on our list.

    The company offers a 25-year warranty for equipment and a 5-year workmanship warranty.

    Winona Renewable Energy installs rooftop solar panels. The company’s website doesn’t offer any information about battery storage, EV charging, or any other solar services.

    The company’s website doesn’t mention anything about solar financing.

    Unfortunately, Winona Renewable Energy contracts its installations out to third-party electricians, leading to a somewhat variable customer experience.

    Continuing the trend of providing few details, Winona Renewable Energy’s website doesn’t disclose what brands it uses in its solar systems. Information is available to customers who schedule a consultation.

    The company has a network of certified electricians and NABCEP installers who perform its installations.

    Best for Customization

    Cedar Creek Energy

    4.0

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    No current offers

    Cedar Creek Energy is a local solar energy company with a headquarters in Blaine, Minnesota. The company helps Minnesota residents reduce their carbon footprints and save money on their utility bills by making the process of going solar as easy as possible. Cedar Creek Energy is a full-service solar company, meaning they handle every step of the process for you, from your initial system design to procurement, installation, and monitoring. The company is one of the most transparent in the solar industry, with an extremely helpful and informative website and friendly customer service reps.

    Handles your entire solar project in-house
    Excellent customization options
    Outstanding customer service
    A bit pricier than alternative options
    Company Profile

    Cedar Creek Energy offers the best selection of solar panels and equipment coupled you’d expect to find from a national solar company coupled with the excellent service and customization you typically get from a small local installer.

    Average Cost

    Cedar Creek Energy is one of the best local solar energy companies available in Minnesota, but its prices are a bit above average.

    The company offers an excellent comprehensive warranty that covers parts and workmanship for 25 years.

    The company offers all the basic services most homeowners look for from a residential solar company, including solar panels, energy storage solutions, and EV chargers.

    Cedar Creek Energy accepts cash and offers solar loans through its financing partner at the Center for Energy and Environment Financing (CEE).

    Cedar Creek Energy encourages customers to spread the word about the company by offering $250 for every customer you refer who purchases a solar system.

    Cedar Creek Energy installs its own solar systems, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with an independent contractor.

    The company is a certified Tesla installer and uses equipment from LG, Enphase, SolarEdge, Jinko Solar, and Canadian Solar.

    The company is a certified NABCEP photovoltaic (PV) panel installer and a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and is a member of MnSEIA.

    Outstanding Regional Installer

    Live Wire Solar & Electric

    3.9

    Our Rating

    Limited Time Offer:
    No current offers

    Rounding out our list, we have Love Wire Solar & Electric, a regional installer that’s been doing business in Minnesota and Wisconsin for more than two decades. The company is based in Blaine, Minnesota, and services most of the state, including the Minneapolis metro area and outstate regions. Live Wire is a full-service solar company that also provides general contracting and electrical services. The company has an impressive lineup of products and brands to choose from, and its experienced technicians will help you choose the right equipment and system design to suit your needs.

    Impressive array of services available
    Tons of Minnesota solar experience
    Competitive prices
    Website is confusing
    Customer service is reportedly hit or miss
    Company Profile

    Live Wire Solar & Electric is a reliable company with a good selection of products and services that suffers from customer support issues, according to online reviews. For every positive review — of which there are many — there is a negative review that mentions issues that arose during installation.

    Average Cost

    Live Wire is a very affordable solar installer, with prices that fall below the average price for Minnesota solar installations.

    The company’s warranty only covers workmanship for 10 years and relies on manufacturer warranties to provide coverage for equipment.

    Live Wire Solar & Electric is a full-service solar company that offers solar panel installation, battery storage, EV charging, and access to community solar.

    The company accepts cash and solar loans.

    Live Wire handles its installations in-house, so you never have to worry about third-party companies complicating the installation process.

    One of the biggest reasons for going solar with Live Wire is its impressive product lineup. The company installs solar equipment from the industry’s top brands, including Jinko Solar, Silfab Solar, Solaria, Canadian Solar, Panasonic, Trina Solar, Axitec, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, LG, Generac, and Tesla.

    The company is NABCEP-certified and is a certified Tesla installer.


    Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in Minnesota

    In our opinion, the best solar company in Minnesota is All Energy Solar. The company offers the best customer service and installs high-quality residential solar panel systems from the best manufacturers in the business. Its prices are quite high, but we think it’s worth paying a little more to get the best equipment and top-notch customer support.

    If All Energy’s prices are too much for you, MN Solar and More is a worthy runner-up that’s only kept out of the top spot by its relative inexperience. The company offers unbeatable prices and installs PV panels, EV chargers, and battery backups via an in-house team of certified professional electricians. MN Solar is an excellent choice for Minnesotans looking to invest in solar energy on a budget.

    Highest Quality Panels

    4.4

    Installs high-quality Maxeon panels

    Outstanding customer support

    Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years

    GET QUOTE
    Best Damage Protection

    3.7

    Affordable prices

    Excellent selection of panels and services

    Locations in 22 states

    GET QUOTE
    Best Solar Financing
    blue raven logo

    4.3

    No payments needed for 18 months

    Provides in-house financing

    Offers top brands like LG and Trina

    GET QUOTE
    Best Customer Service

    3.9

    Highly rated customer service

    Provides  24/7 panel monitoring

    Solid A+ rating with the BBB

    GET QUOTE

    More Minnesota Resources

    Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in Minnesota

    While you can’t go wrong choosing any of the companies on our list, we understand that choosing a solar company is a big decision. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together this collection of general factors to consider when choosing a solar company.

    Cost of Services & Installation

    Cost is often the most important factor people consider when shopping for a solar energy installation company. We won’t deny that the cost of your solar panels is important, but we will caution you against going solar with the cheapest company you can find. Rooftop solar panels follow the maxim that you get what you pay for, and cheap systems don’t perform at the same level as more expensive ones.

    Keep in mind that a good solar panel system will save you many thousands of dollars over its lifetime on your electric bills, effectively reducing its cost. Solar panels also raise your home’s value, making it easy to recoup your investment when you sell your home. Read our article to discover how solar energy contributes to your savings.

    Equipment and Damages Warranty

    A good solar warranty can save you from unexpected expenses in the event your system sustains damage or becomes less effective with age. The best solar warranties cover performance, equipment, and workmanship for at least 25 years, offering you peace of mind for your solar system’s lifetime. Some people are happy to accept shorter warranty periods in exchange for money saved upfront. Whether you’re comfortable with a company’s warranty depends on your level of risk tolerance; just keep in mind that paying for repairs out of pocket can get expensive.

    Solar Services Offered

    If you only want a basic solar panel array, you can choose pretty much any solar installer. However, only some companies offer battery storage and EV charger installations, so make sure you check a company’s website to see if they provide the services you want before wasting time scheduling a consultation and getting a free quote.

    Financing Options

    Taking a solar loan is a great way to start saving money on your energy bills right away without waiting until you can afford to pay for a solar installation outright in cash. Some companies offer solar leases and PPAs, although these are not as good as solar loans despite their low upfront costs since they reduce the lifetime savings you’ll enjoy if you eventually own your own system.

    Do They Contract Installation?

    Some solar companies contract out installations to independent companies, leading to inconsistent customer experiences and confusion when dealing with issues that arise. We recommend choosing a company that performs its own installations whenever possible. Communication with your solar project’s installer will be much easier if you have a single point of contact who works for the same company that handles equipment and permitting.

    Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

    Not all solar equipment is created equally, although the differences between brands are decreasing as the field evolves. If you want to get the most out of your solar panels, stick with companies that offer the most efficient solar panels. Tesla and Maxeon are regarded as the highest-quality panels available today, and companies like Panasonic, LG, and Q Cells aren’t far behind.

    Tesla also manufactures the Tesla Powerwall battery, one of the best energy storage systems on the market. Enphase, Generac, and LG also make excellent solar batteries that can make dealing with power outages a far less painful experience.

    Solar energy systems also need inverters to convert the DC power photovoltaic panels generate into the AC power your home needs. Enphase, SMA, and SolarEdge are the most common inverters and are all good options.

    Read also: Tesla Solar Roof and Solar Panels Compared

    Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews

    Before you sign any contracts, make sure to read as many customer reviews as you can from as many independent sources. Online reviews are invaluable for learning what it’s like to be a customer, often revealing the less savory parts of the customer experience. A few negative reviews aren’t a red flag, but overwhelmingly negative reviews could be a sign to steer clear of a company and continue shopping around. You should also be wary of any companies that don’t have any online reviews, as that can be a sign of negative review scrubbing.

    Industry Partnerships

    The solar industry depends on manufacturers, installers, and educators working in concert to bring attention to the benefits of solar power and help more people reap those benefits. A company that operates alone is unlikely to survive in the tumultuous environment that exists in the modern solar industry. If you want the most reliable service for the duration of your solar panel’s lifetime, choose a company that has many partnerships, as that’s usually indicative of a long-term commitment.

    Size of Company

    Finally, some people prefer large solar companies with a national presence, while others are more comfortable patronizing a local family-owned business. Neither option is strictly better than the other, so choose whatever you prefer. In general, larger solar installers can offer more options at lower prices than smaller companies but won’t be as responsive to support requests since they have to deal with a larger customer base.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is solar worth it in Minnesota?

    Yes, without a doubt. Solar panels cost an average of $15,000 to $30,000 in Minnesota and offer lifetime utility bill savings of around $20,000 on average after they pay for themselves. When you combine those savings with the value solar panels add to your home, it becomes clear that solar panels are more than worth it for most Minnesotans.


    Does Minnesota offer solar incentives?

    Minnesota residents have access to the federal tax credit — often called the solar investment tax credit or ITC — which allows taxpayers to claim 30% of the total cost of a solar power system towards their following year’s tax burden.

    Xcel Energy utility company also offers a Solar*Rewards program that pays Minnesota residents depending on how much clean energy they generate. The program is only available to Xcel customers and has a limited number of slots that are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. The company also offers the best net metering program, allowing solar customers to sell their excess energy back to the grid for credits they can use later to offset their electric bills.

    Minnesotans are also exempt from sales tax on any solar system purchases, a savings of around 7%.


    Is solar energy efficient in Minnesota?

    Solar energy is efficient in Minnesota, despite the common solar energy myth that solar panels don’t work in northern climates. While Minnesotans typically need larger systems than their southern Californian counterparts, they can still easily eliminate most of their monthly energy bill with a moderately-sized system.


    How much does it cost to get solar panels in Minnesota?

    The average price of a 9 kW system in Minnesota is $25,000 before any tax rebates and $20,000 after tax credits and other solar incentives.


    Does solar increase home value in Minnesota?

    Yes. Real estate company Zillow estimates that solar panels increase a home’s value by approximately 4.1%, amounting to an average of $13,000 using an average Minnesota home value of $330,000.


    Today's Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology

    At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.

    Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.

    We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:

    Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.

    Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.

    Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.

    Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.

    Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.

    Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.

    Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Dan Simms

    Dan Simms

    Contributor

    Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.

    Learn More

    photo of Lora Novak

    Lora Novak

    Senior Editor

    Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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