Best 5 Solar Companies in Shakopee, MN

Shakopee homeowners are intentional about conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar companies for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for an excellent contractor. On this page, we'll showcase Shakopee's most reputable solar companies and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Shakopee solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Shakopee community for a decade or longer.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Shakopee Homeowners?

Minnesota homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Shakopee

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider all of these aspects in your business 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 have a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Shakopee

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

You can plan to spend about $20,150 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Shakopee. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Shakopee solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Shakopee

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves 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 second most effective 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer multiple 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 Shakopee.

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

Sources

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