Best 3 Solar Companies in Moorhead, MN

Moorhead homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A skilled solar company can help you install and tune a system that meets your energy needs without being too expensive. In this guide, we'll show you Moorhead's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar providers near Moorhead, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Moorhead community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Moorhead solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Moorhead Homeowners?

Minnesota's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Moorhead

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these aspects in your business search.

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 installers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Moorhead

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 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 electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar company includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Moorhead. This table shows more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Moorhead

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local 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