Best 5 Solar Companies in Cottage Grove, MN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cottage Grove

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar specialist.

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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Grove

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Cottage Grove and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,150 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Cottage Grove

Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer several 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 Cottage Grove.

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