Best 5 Solar Companies in Maple Grove, MN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Maple Grove

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Solar companies can also pursue certifications 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 Maple 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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Maple 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 Maple Grove

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 cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. 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 a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.