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4 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 06/27/2024

Minnesota is one of 20 states committed to converting to 100% carbon-free energy by 2040, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI). The state offers several incentives to support this initiative and make solar more affordable for homeowners. Our team spent more than 80 hours researching top solar installers to find the best companies and ways to save. Keep reading to learn about our picks in Minnesota plus get tips for narrowing down your choices.


Compare Solar Companies Across MN

Company Star Rating Warranties Payment Options Link
4.4
10–25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
4.6
N/A N/A GET QUOTE
4.0
N/A N/A GET QUOTE
4.0
10-25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
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Minnesota’s Top Solar Energy Companies


Our Picks for Best Solar Installers in Minnesota

Blue Raven Solar

Most Reputable
4.4

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers in-house financing options Offers 18 months of free solar for new customers Has an excellent industry reputation and numerous awards Cons Offers only two payment options Provides only a two-year power guarantee Limits its labor warranty to only 10 years

Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven Solar has earned a reputation for trustworthiness. The company offers in-house financing with five years of fixed rates, making solar more affordable. It also works with leading solar brands, such as Silfab and Q Cells, to create quality and long-lasting solar panel systems.

We recommend Blue Raven Solar if you’re looking for the best financing options. The company’s BluePower Plus+ financing program requires little to no money down and fixed interest rates.* Unlike other solar installers, it doesn’t use third-party lenders, making the financing process easier and more convenient.

*Subject to credit approval.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Blue Raven Solar offers a 25-year system warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, and two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

Blue Raven Solar is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating on the site. Customer reviews mention the friendly and helpful customer service staff and knowledgeable installers. Some reviews note aggressive sales tactics from door-to-door salespeople.

The company has received numerous awards from Comparably, which evaluates companies’ culture and reputation. Recognitions included Best Operations Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022.

Learn more: Blue Raven Solar review

All Energy Solar Best Full-Service Installer
4.6
Pros and Cons: What Makes Them Different?
Pros Full-service solar installer with roofing and building contractor licenses NABCEP-certified solar panel installer Extensive catalog of top-selling solar panel brands Cons Customers noted higher-than-average pricing for its solar equipment Roofing services only available within 80 miles of Saint Paul, Minnesota Varying manufacturer and performance coverage
Why We Chose All Energy Solar

All Energy Solar offers full-service installation with its in-house team, plus general electrical and solar-specific roofing services. The company handles all aspects of the installation process, including assisting customers with applying for local solar incentives. All Energy Solar holds certification with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the most respected certifications in the solar industry

All Energy Solar offers Minnesota homeowners a one-stop shop for solar and home services. The company can even update your roof before installing solar panels, eliminating the need for additional contractors.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
All Energy Solar offers 25- to 30-year production warranties and varying manufacturer warranties, depending on the solar equipment. Workmanship warranties also vary depending on the equipment.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

All Energy Solar was founded in 2009 by brothers Michael and Brian Allen. Since then, the family business has grown to serve 50 states for commercial projects and six states for residential installations. 

The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited. We noted that customer reviews praised All Energy’s excellent customer service and guided installation process. We found a few reviewers who were displeased with their delayed installations.

Learn more: All Energy Solar review

MN Solar and More Best Local Minnesota Installer
4
Pros and Cons: What Makes Them Different?
Pros Add-on equipment includes system monitoring and whole-home surge protectors Solar batteries and EV chargers Referral program pays up to $500 Cons Additional cost for extended warranty coverage up to 25 years Less than 10 years of solar industry experience Limited service area
Why We Chose MN Solar and More, LLC

MN Solar and Moore (known as MN Solar) is a great choice for St. Paul and Minneapolis residents interested in a local installer. The company focuses on a smaller service area to offer customers a more tailored experience. Residents can benefit from the company’s extensive knowledge about the Twin Cities metro area, including local permitting laws and solar incentives. You’ll also receive faster response times for service and technical issues. 

MN Solar offers customized solar systems with various solar panel, battery, and EV charger brands. The company designs, plans, and installs all systems with its local, in-house team, eliminating third-party contractors. MN Solar also offers some pricing information on its website, plus details about its extended warranties, monitoring software, and critter guards.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
MN Solar offers varying manufacturer warranties depending on your selected panels. The company includes a 10-year workmanship warranty on all installations. Customers can pay for extended warranty coverage for up to 25 years.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

MN Solar originally focused on biomass and wind energy but later shifted to solar. The women-owned company maintains a smaller focus on the Twin Cities metro area to offer more personalized services.

MN Solar is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. While analyzing customer reviews, we noticed that the company has mostly 4- or 5-star ratings across numerous review sites. Common comments revolved around the company’s knowledgeable staff, excellent communication, and quick installations.

Tesla Solar Best Solar Tech
4
Pros and Cons
Pros Low-profile rooftop panels and solar roofing options Popular Tesla Powerwall available with all installations Transparent pricing online Cons Installations completed exclusively by third-party installers Solar loans offered only in select areas Customer reviews call out difficulty with scheduling repair work
Why We Chose Tesla

Tesla offers high-tech solar solutions for residential customers, from advanced solar roofing to the powerful Tesla Powerwall. It stands out as one of the only companies to offer full, transparent pricing online before ever speaking to a representative. Whereas most solar companies require a consultation before revealing any pricing, Tesla has an online system that analyzes your home’s design and average energy bills to provide a custom quote. You can adjust your system’s configuration to add more panels and up to 10 Tesla Powerwall batteries.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Tesla includes 10-year comprehensive warranty coverage for product and workmanship and a 25-year performance warranty.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan (in select areas)

Reputation and Awards

Tesla began developing innovative solar products based on its successful automotive technology in 2003. It ultimately created the Tesla solar roof and Tesla Inverter in addition to providing traditional solar panels.

Tesla is not accredited by the BBB but holds an A+ rating. We noticed while reading reviews that many customers praised Tesla’s panel technology and the Powerwall’s performance but called out scheduling issues for service and repair.

Learn more: Tesla Solar review

Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.


What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers several solar incentives and rebates to make going solar more affordable. These incentives lower your solar panel system cost, eliminate state sales taxes, and offer ongoing credits for using renewable energy. We’ll review the available Minnesota incentives below. 

The federal solar tax credit provides a federal tax deduction equal to 30% of your solar installation costs. You must legally own your solar system to qualify, meaning you must pay for your system in full or take out a loan. Solar leasing and PPA customers are disqualified.

Minnesota offers two state tax credits that don’t require additional applications or qualifications. The Minnesota Sales Tax Exemption eliminates the state’s 6.875% sales tax on all solar products. The state’s Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Property Tax Exemption also prevents you from paying additional property tax for your solar system, even though it increases your home value.

Minnesota mandates net-metering for all energy companies, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities in the state. These programs allow you to sell your excess solar energy to the grid in exchange for credits on your electric bills or cash payouts, depending on your utility company.

Some utility companies and city-specific programs offer additional one-time rebates for converting to clean energy. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to view all incentives in your area.


What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?

Solar companies offer varying services, warranties, and financing options. We’ve compiled this list of top features to look for when shopping for a provider.

Solar Services

Solar installers may provide installation through an in-house team or rely on third-party installers. When reading solar customer reviews, we noticed that some homeowners experienced communication issues when working with third-party installers. 

We recommend looking for companies that offer added services, such as system monitoring through dedicated apps or web portals. These tools help you keep your system working optimally and let you monitor its performance. In select cases, companies may offer full-home energy audits to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Warranties and Power Production Guarantees

System warranties vary between companies but could include separate warranties for solar components or a comprehensive warranty for the entire system. During our research, we found that a typical solar company offers a 10-year product or manufacturer warranty covering component defects and issues. Workmanship warranties protect against problems caused by faulty installation. Typical solar panels last 25 years or more, so we recommend choosing companies with at least two decades of warranty coverage to protect your system throughout its lifetime. 

Many solar installers also include power production guarantees that outline your panels’ expected power production at the end of your warranty. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), panels degrade in efficiency by 0.5% per year. Power production guarantees can last 10–15 years for cheap solar panels or 25 years for top-quality options.

Payment Options

Most solar companies offer two or more payment options, including cash payments or solar loans. These options make you the legal owner of your system and qualify you for solar incentives, credits, and rebates that save you money. Note that solar loans will increase your overall investment due to interest rates.

Selecting a solar lease means you’ll pay monthly installments to rent your solar panels. A power purchase agreement (PPA) means you’ll pay monthly only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options keep system ownership with your provider and disqualify you from incentives.


How To Get a Solar Quote in Minnesota

You should request quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Compare each quote to verify all included costs, labor expenses, and estimated savings. We’ve provided an overview of the typical solar quote process below.

  1. Contact the solar company: Contact the solar company via an online form or by phone. When we called solar companies for sample quotes, we spoke with a representative who verified we were eligible for solar and that the installer serviced our area. You’ll need to provide your address for this confirmation. After speaking with a representative, you’ll schedule either an in-person or virtual consultation. Someone will contact you at the email or phone number you entered online if you choose to request a quote that way.
  2. Assess your energy needs: During your consultation, you’ll review your average energy usage and determine the right system for your home. You’ll need your most current energy bill for this step. We found during our shopping experiences that some companies ask for multiple months of bills to check for seasonal fluctuations. We recommend having at least three months of statements handy for your consultation.  
  3. Review your home design and roof space: The representative will check your available roof space to determine your solar project size. The rep will also check for nearby objects or trees that could impact your solar panel performance. Finally, they’ll assess your roof’s condition and recommend necessary repairs or updates. Virtual consultations use satellite imaging to assess your home design. 
  4. Build your project: You’ll receive a finalized quote complete with a detailed inventory of all essential equipment. You can add solar batteries or electric vehicle (EV) chargers to your system if available. Your solar quote will include all system costs, pricing, and warranty information. You’ll also receive information about available financing options and local solar incentives. Finally, you’ll receive details about your expected payback period, or the time it will take for your system to pay for itself.

Our Conclusion

We recommend Blue Raven as the top provider in Minnesota due to its top-quality solar systems and 18 months of free solar for homeowners.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three solar providers and comparing their solar products, warranties, and services.

Other Minnesota Home Service Resources


FAQ About Solar Companies in Minnesota

How many solar companies are in Minnesota?

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Minnesota has 168 solar companies. This figure includes 58 installers and developers, 37 solar manufacturers, and 73 other solar-related businesses. 

Are solar panels a good investment in Minnesota?

Yes, solar panels are a good investment in Minnesota. The state has high electricity rates, meaning homeowners stand to save more by going solar. It also has several solar incentives to make the switch more affordable. 

Can an HOA prevent solar panels in Minnesota?

Unfortunately, Minnesota has no laws preventing homeowners associations (HOAs) from blocking solar panel installations. However, lawmakers are proposing a new bill that protects homeowners’ solar rights from HOA restrictions. 

Do solar panels work in Minnesota winters?

Yes, solar panels work even during harsh Minnesota winters. In fact, solar panels work better in cooler temperatures. Your panels may produce less energy during winter due to reduced sunlight and impacted snow, but that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from solar power during this time.


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for solar providers is on a 100-point system based on five factors:

  • Payment options (40 points): Options include purchase, loan, lease, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Companies receive points for each of the four options they provide.
  • Solar services (30 points): Does the company provide in-house installation of solar panels and battery backups? Can the company also monitor energy production and perform energy-efficiency audits to ensure system performance? The more options available, the higher the score. 
  • Warranty options (10 points): The success of a residential solar system depends on the workmanship, performance guarantees, and length of product coverage. The more warranties a company offers, the higher the score it receives. 
  • State availability (10 points): We award the most points to companies with the broadest service area and state availability.
  • Reputation (10 points): We factor in how the Business Better Bureau (BBB) scores each company. We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.