Best 3 Solar Companies in Mankato, MN

Mankato homeowners are privileged to live in plentiful sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $960 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Mankato's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Mankato solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Mankato community for a decade or longer.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Mankato solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Mankato Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mankato

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar panels 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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Mankato

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $20,150 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Mankato. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Mankato

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy