Best 5 Solar Companies in Woodbury, MN

Woodbury homeowners are privileged to live in plentiful sunlight, both to appreciate and harness as energy. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,000 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Woodbury's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Woodbury solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Woodbury solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Woodbury community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Woodbury Homeowners?

Minnesota's public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Woodbury

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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 carry a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Woodbury

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Woodbury

Choosing the optimal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. We suggest 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to 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. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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