Have you noticed your electricity bills skyrocketing lately? As a fellow Minnesotan, I definitely have. This past winter, the already high utility rates shot up further due to increased natural gas prices. After getting smacked by a $250 electricity bill for my small home, I finally decided now is the time to explore solar power.
And let me tell you, I‘m glad I did! Installing rooftop solar panels allows you to lock in affordable electricity rates for decades. Once the system pays for itself in 4-7 years, sunlight provides FREE power. Plus, with solar incentives and rising energy costs, return on investment keeps getting better.
I recently went through the process of researching all the home solar options available right here in Minnesota. There are a lot of considerations – costs, panel types, installers, efficiency – it made my head spin!
But as a sustainability nerd passionate about green tech, I persevered and identified the top Minnesota solar companies in 2023. I wanted to find providers with proven expertise and thousands of successful local installations.
In this guide tailored for Minnesota residents, I‘ll overview the key benefits of switching to solar power. You‘ll also discover unbiased assessments of the 6 highest quality solar installers serving our state. My goal is to give you all the information needed to confidently go solar!
Why Should Minnesotans Go Solar?
Before diving into the best Minnesota solar panel companies, let‘s review the main reasons you should go solar:
Save money long-term – Electricity prices in MN are among the highest in the Midwest, and rates keep rising. Locking in lower solar energy costs shields you from volatile utility prices over 20+ years. Solar tax incentives also reduce system prices.
Gain energy independence – Reduce reliance on monopoly utility companies by generating your own electricity. Combine solar panels with home batteries to access renewable power around the clock.
Boost home resale value – A National Lab study found homes with solar PV systems sell for about 4.1% more. Solar also entices environmentally-minded buyers.
Shrink environmental impact – Rooftop solar PV produces clean, renewable electricity for your home without greenhouse emissions or pollution. Using solar power is a simple way to "go green".
Earn income from your panels – Excess solar electricity sent back to the MN grid earns income through net metering credit rollover or direct payments.
Protect against power outages – Home battery systems charged by solar panels keep critical loads running indefinitely during grid failures. Avoid losses from weather events knocking out your lights and appliances.
Now let‘s explore your best options for tapping into solar energy based on extensive research…
The Top Solar Installers in Minnesota
Choosing the RIGHT solar partner sets the stage for a smooth transition to cost-saving home solar power for decades. The following Minnesota-based providers are solar panel installation veterans with proven expertise and thousands of local projects completed:
All Energy Solar
5,400+ systems installed
98% 5-star customer ratings
With roots dating back to 2009, All Energy Solar brings over a decade of solar expertise in Minnesota‘s seasons and climate. For both homes and businesses, All Energy Solar places customer education and transparent pricing above all else.
Their expertise shines through in small details like carefully mapping arrays to avoid roof obstructions. All Energy Solar handles paperwork hassles like interconnection applications and renewable energy certificates for faster payback.
"Our All Energy Solar panels produce way more than we use! Last year alone we pocketed $1,200 through our utility‘s net metering program." – Martha R., All Energy Customer
I was impressed by All Energy Solar‘s wide range of solar options from tried and true panels to high-efficiency SunPower modules. Their product diversity allows custom solar system tailoring. Unmatched experience with over 5,400 Minnesota installations makes them a go-to residential and commercial solar provider.
MN Solar and More
2,100+ installs
5-star Facebook rating
MN Solar and More is one of the state‘s best "local solar companies" you can trust. For over 8 years, owners Erik and Peter have focused exclusively on providing quality installs to Minnesota homeowners. This local presence and focus informs their personalized approach to every customer.
The company offers "full-service solar", expertly handling all incentive applications, utility paperwork, permits, and everything else related to seamlessly adopting solar power. MN Solar and More will tailor panel solutions to meet each customer‘s unique budget and electricity requirements.
Their installation teams are respectful, efficient technicians that take extra care protecting home exteriors. Erik and Peter stand behind every project with workmanship guarantees to deliver lasting ROI. MN Solar and More‘s outstanding reputation plus highly rated approach makes them worth including in solar power proposals.
"During peak sun the LG panels provide 100% of our home‘s electricity, dropping our utility bill cost to the minimum connection charge!": Jessie S.
When it comes to premium products and locally-based solar service, MN Solar and More checks all the boxes. statewide.
I‘ve included key metrics and expert insights on the remaining top Minnesota solar installers as well:
| Company | Installs | Areas Served | Notable Fact |
| Wolf River Electric | 1,200+ | Statewide | 13 years experience |
| Centauri Systems | 750+ | Central MN | Battery backup options |
| Champion Solar | 1,300+ | Minneapolis & St. Paul | EV charging |
| Live Wire Solar | 900+ | Minnesota | 14 years experience |
This snapshot comparison shows all six firms have installed at least hundreds of solar arrays locally. Most focus their services across Minnesota to best leverage expertise in our climate and incentives. Perks like EV charging partnerships and battery storage setups show their dedication to providing full-service solar capabilities.
The companies also have between 8 to 14 years specialized experience navigating Minnesota‘s solar incentives, utility rules, permits, weather challenges and more. Hundreds of satisfied local customer reviews reaffirm these as premier solar partners to consider.
When evaluating residential solar quotes, I would highly recommend including bids from two or more of these proven Minnesota-based suppliers. This allows you to compare equipment, pricing, and experience across top-tier installers.
Key Takeaways
I hope this guide brought you up to speed on the benefits of solar power in Minnesota and gave you the tools to evaluate providers. Here are the key facts I‘ve shared from my in-depth solar research:
- Electricity rates in Minnesota continue rising making solar adoption sensible for cost savings & energy independence
- Top local installers like All Energy Solar & MN Solar and More have 1,000s of successful MN solar projects
- Panels increase home value while shrinking environmental impact with renewable energy
- Various Minnesota solar incentives exist including a 26% federal tax credit through 2032
Armed with this background knowledge, you‘re now prepared to make informed solar decisions suited for your home. Reach out to multiple reputable MN solar companies for free assessments to understand all available options.
I‘m happy to answer any other questions to help guide your journey toward affordable clean energy. Switching to solar power enables locking in low electricity rates for decades to come while supporting the environment. The choice is clear – join me in embracing Minnesota solar energy today!
Jordan C.
Solar Enthusiast
