Best 5 Solar Companies in Blaine, MN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Blaine

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electricians' or electrical contractors' 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Blaine

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Blaine homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,150 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Blaine

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Blaine.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.