Best 5 Solar Companies in Edina, MN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Edina

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electrical contractors' or electricians' 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 sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Edina

Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Edina

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

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.