Best 5 Solar Companies in Richfield, MN

Richfield homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a top-notch company. In this article, we'll highlight Richfield's best solar providers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar installers near Richfield, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Richfield community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Richfield solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Richfield Homeowners?

Minnesota agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Richfield

The cost and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Consider all of these criteria 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 put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Richfield

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,150 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Richfield. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Richfield solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Richfield

Choosing the correct financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. We recommend making a cash payment 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 minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good 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 let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

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

Sources

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