Learn about the best solar companies in Minnesota, their pros and cons, and how to make the right choice for your home solar installation.
Updated:
Mar 25, 2024
Written by
Aniket Bhor
Aniket Bhor
Edited by:
Tori Addison
Tori Addison
Minnesota jumped from the 34th to 16th in SEIA’s rankings in a year, highlighting the growth of solar in the state. Minnesota residents are increasingly going solar and looking for trustworthy installers. The best solar companies in Minnesota are SunPower, Blue Raven, All Energy Solar, and Tesla.
The MarketWatch Guides Team shortlisted these solar companies after extensive surveys and discussions with solar experts, panel manufacturers, and installers. We compiled a detailed methodology to review numerous solar providers across the state and across the country.
Top 4 Solar Companies in Minnesota of 2024
- Blue Raven: Our pick for financing
- SunPower: Our pick for for most experienced provider
- All Energy Solar: Our pick for customer experience
- Tesla: Our pick for panel design
See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.
Select the provider that best fits your needs.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.
What To Look For in a Solar Company
Going solar is a big decision, and homeowners typically want to be sure they are considering all the major factors when choosing the most suitable solar company. Below is a list of what to consider when exploring solar companies.
Residents can save a lot of money over the life of their solar panels. However, they also require a significant initial investment. This is why the cost of a system becomes an important purchase factor. Like many major purchases, the lowest-priced solar system is not always the best in the long term. A good choice would be an optimum balance among cost, features, warranties, equipment brands, and savings potential. Many installers offer payment options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPA).
If installed correctly, solar panels last 25 years or longer. But a poorly installed system may result in lower-than-projected savings and even a short life. Coupled with the cost, this makes the trustworthiness of a solar installer important. When spending thousands of dollars on a system, you want to trust a renewable energy company, not only with the installation quality but also with post-installation support. One way to gauge a solar company’s reliability is to check its Better Business Bureau ratings and read online reviews of existing customers.
When it comes to energy independence, solar panels are just one part of the equation. Homeowners often need several other services. You may need an EV charging station if you own an electric car, or your house may need upgraded insulation or roofing. Numerous companies provide these additional services along with solar power. Homeowners can make a list of the required services to narrow down the installers that suit them.
Blue Raven Solar
Our pick for financing
Warranty 10 and 25 years
System Cost $20,000–$22,500
SunPower
Our pick for most experience
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
All Energy Solar
Great local choice
Tesla Energy
Our pick for panel design
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $16,000–$23,000
Our Recommendation
Minnesota has 168 solar companies offering plenty of choices to solar-interested residents. Homeowners willing to switch to solar can choose from national brands like SunPower or Tesla. Similarly, Blue Raven or All Energy Solar are good options for those looking for easy financing.
Customers seeking a more local installer also have plenty of options such as TruNorth Solar, Cedar Creek Energy, or Midwest Roof and Solar. We recommend requesting free quotes from multiple solar energy companies and comparing the pricing and features before making a final decision.
Compare Minnesota Solar Companies
| Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
| $24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
| $16,000–$23,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
| Company | BBB Rating | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | $20,000–$22,500 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $24,000–$36,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $16,000–$23,000 | GET QUOTE |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary. All BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.
Benefits of Going Solar in Minnesota
- Electricity bill savings: The biggest advantage of switching to solar power is the substantial cost and energy savings it brings from reduced power grid consumption. By harnessing free energy from the sun, solar panels can reduce or eliminate grid electricity bills. Over the 25+ year lifespan of solar panels, the added savings can be as high as tens of thousands of dollars.
- Protection against rising energy bills: In 2022, U.S. electricity consumers paid 14.3% more for electricity than in 2021. Similar price increases have happened in the country before and are expected to happen again. Infrastructure upgrades of utility companies and global events regularly impact electricity rates. Over three decades, the cumulative price rise can add up to a large number.
- Improved property value: Home price trends are subject to various market forces, and it is difficult to have much control over your home’s value. But installing a solar panel system can bump up your asking price by a significant margin. Studies show that home buyers are willing to spend more money on a home that already has solar panels on it.
- Protection against power outages: An increasing number of extreme weather events are leading to a higher frequency of power outages nationwide. In some cases, the blackouts can last for several days, making daily life extremely difficult. Homes with solar panels and a battery system can keep their appliances running even through multi-day outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Last but not least, solar panels have a positive impact on the environment by avoiding emissions from fossil fuel sources. Over its lifespan, a solar energy system generates thousands of kWh, preventing the carbon emissions of thousands of kWh generated by fossil fuels. Additionally, solar power helps Minnesota — and the country — achieve sustainability goals.
Minnesota Solar Incentives
Minnesota does not have a large number of state-based solar incentives and rebates. However, the federal and local incentives together help Minnesotans save thousands on their solar panel investment. Let us take a look at the available incentives in Minnesota.
Federal Incentives
The largest incentive available to Minnesota residents as well as all U.S. homeowners is the federal tax credit. Also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), it offers a credit to solar panel owners that is equivalent to up to 30% of their system’s cost, which can be deducted from the following year’s income taxes. This allows homeowners to effectively save up to 30% on their solar power system.
Statewide Incentives
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| Sales tax exemption | 6.875% of the system’s valuE | Customers will be exempt from Minnesota’s sales tax when purchasing a solar power system. |
| Net metering | Savings vary | Solar panel owners can send excess energy back into the grid in exchange for energy credits, which are valued at the “average retail utility energy rate.” |
Local Incentives
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| SolarSense | $0.29/kWh | Based on a lottery system, customers of Minnesota Power can get a rebate of $0.29/kWh on their solar power system. |
| Austin Utilities’ Solar Electric Rebates | $500 | Customers of Austin Utilities can receive a rebate of $500 when they install a solar power system. |
| Green Cost Share Program | $0.20–$0.40/kWh | Minneapolis residents can receive a rebate of minimum 20 cents and maximum 40 cents per kWh when they install solar panels. |
| Chaska Solar Panel Rebate | $250/kW | Customers of the City of Chaska Electric Department are eligible for a rebate of $250/kW, capped at $2,500. |
| Rochester Public Utilities Rebate | $500 | Homeowners in the service area of RPU who have a solar system larger than 2 kW can receive a rebate of $500. |
| Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program | $0.5–$2/W upfront incentive, $0.015–$0.02/kWh performance-based incentive | Xcel Energy’s customers are eligible for both a one-time rebate and an energy production-based rebate. The company also offers rebates to schools. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Minnesota
Minnesota has dozens of reputable solar installers. The most popular solar companies in Minnesota are SunPower, Tesla, Blue Raven and All Energy Solar.
Solar photovoltaic energy is the type of solar energy used to power appliances in a house. On the other hand, residents can use solar thermal energy for heating water or air.
Solar is a clean energy that significantly reduces the carbon emissions that are indirectly released by a home’s energy consumption. Moreover, it also provides energy independence and energy security to homeowners and business owners.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Minnesota has 168 solar companies. Out of these, 37 are equipment manufacturers, 58 are installation companies, while the remaining 73 are classified as “others.”
