Best 5 Solar Companies in Coon Rapids, MN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Coon Rapids

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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 have a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Solar providers can also pursue certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Coon Rapids

The style of solar panels you choose decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $20,150 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Coon Rapids. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Coon Rapids solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Coon Rapids

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each company you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.