Top Solar Companies in Minnesota
Using the sun’s energy to illuminate your home may seem unrealistic in a state like Minnesota, which is well-known for its long winters. But actually, solar panels are a practical and sustainable way to power your home in Minnesota because the state receives enough sunshine. However, with so many solar firms emerging, it might be difficult to select the one that best suits your needs.
We at SolarPowerSystems.org want to simplify your decision-making process. Similar to a search engine for solar companies in Minnesota, our platform highlights companies according to the services they offer, testimonials from clients, years of experience, and involvement in the community. Since every house and every homeowner is unique, we have done more research on solar installers in Minnesota.
Also, based on your unique requirements, our team of experts may provide customized solar quotes. By comparing prices and services in this manner, you can make a more informed and expedient decision.
The advantages of selecting family-owned or privately held solar enterprises over large corporate installers are also discussed in this article, with particular attention paid to their distinctive advantages and contributions to the solar industry. You can use this study to choose the finest solar provider for your needs by making an informed selection.
Criteria for Evaluating the Top Solar Companies in Minnesota
Our comprehensive research and analysis have led us to identify several important criteria that help determine the top solar companies in the state:
Years of Experience: We’ve focused on companies with over five years of experience; during this time, they gained enough experience to hone their installation techniques, troubleshoot common issues, and have a keen understanding of Minnesota’s local market dynamics.
Customer Reviews: Feedback from customers is invaluable when assessing a company’s performance. We’ve meticulously examined reviews from various platforms, including Google, Yelp, and solar-specific sites like SolarReviews and EnergySage. We paid attention to factors like customer service, installation quality, and post-installation support.
Quality of Solar Equipment: The efficiency and longevity of your solar system largely depend on the quality of the equipment used. Top-tier brands like Enphase, SolarEdge, and Tesla are known for their high-quality, durable, and efficient solar equipment.
Provided Services: The range of services provided by a solar company can greatly influence your solar installation experience. Companies that offer comprehensive services, from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, can ensure a smoother and more hassle-free transition to solar energy.
Financing Options: The availability of various financing options makes solar energy more accessible to homeowners who may have different financial circumstances.
Warranty: A robust warranty is essential to protect your investment in solar energy. We looked for companies that offer comprehensive warranties covering both the equipment and the installation workmanship.
Community Involvement: Companies that are actively involved in local communities tend to be more reliable and trustworthy. This can be through sponsorships, local events, or initiatives that give back to the community.
Referral System: Companies that offer referral programs or additional benefits like active system monitoring are often more customer-centric and forward-thinking.
Each of these criteria represents a facet of what we believe constitutes a high-quality solar provider. In the following sections, we’ll analyze how our selected Minnesota solar companies meet these standards.
Blue Raven Solar
Founded in 2014, Blue Raven Solar began its journey in the state of Utah and has since expanded its operations to 19 states, including Minnesota. With its contribution to the 1400 MW of Minnesota’s installed solar capacity, Blue Raven Solar has been an integral part of the state’s transition to renewable energy.
The main advantages of Blue Raven Solar include:
High-Quality Solar Equipment: Blue Raven Solar is a supplier of solar equipment, carrying brands such as Trina Solar and Maxeon, which are renowned for producing monocrystalline solar panels with exceptional efficiency; some Maxeon panels can reach up to 30% efficiency, which means that homeowners can get the most out of their solar energy and use less power from the grid.
In-House Financing: The initial cost is one of the biggest problems homeowners encounter when they decide to switch to solar energy. With its in-house financing, Blue Raven Solar offers the BluePower Plus+ loan, which tackles this issue. Because of this, homeowners can take use of solar power for the first 18 months at no cost and avoid paying for design, permits, and installation all at once.
Comprehensive Warranty: The company offers a 10-year workmanship warranty, a 25-year performance guarantee, and a two-year production guarantee, which gives customers confidence in Blue Raven Solar installations. If the solar power system doesn’t produce the expected amount of electricity, Blue Raven Solar promises to fix it for free.
Active Monitoring: Blue Raven Solar offers an active monitoring solution to keep tabs on how well your solar system is doing, thanks to their collaboration with Enphase. Making sure the system is constantly running at its best, this service helps discover issues like power fluctuations or device faults.
Referral Program: Blue Raven Solar has a great referral program that pays customers who offer other people to use their services. Customers will get $500 for their first referral, $1,000 for their second, and $1,500 for their third and subsequent referrals.
Collaboration With Give Power: GivePower is a foundation that builds solar-powered desalination water farms, and the company gives them some of the money from every sale. In other words, by going with Blue Raven Solar, homeowners are not only lessening their personal carbon footprint but also supporting clean water projects in underdeveloped nations.
Needs to be improved:
Limited Financial Options: Although the company’s emphasis on solar loans is praiseworthy, homeowners’ options for financing are limited because solar leases and power purchase agreements are not offered.
Sales Tactics: Some customers in the reviews also reported that the company’s sales team is too pushy and has poor customer service.
All Energy Solar
Since 2009, All Energy Solar has expertly handled solar projects to deliver reliable and affordable electricity for any structure.
Choosing All Energy Solar has the following primary benefits:
High-Quality Equipment: All Energy Solar only uses the best solar equipment from reputable companies like Enphase Energy, SolarEdge Technologies, REC Group, Silfab Solar, Qcells, Tesla, and LONGi Solar. This, in turn, ensures that the installed solar systems will work well and last a long time.
Comprehensive Services: All Energy Solar installs solar systems for residential, commercial, agricultural, and government clients. From evaluating the site to installation, the company takes care of everything, making sure that its customers have a smooth shift to solar energy. The company also offers a full range of services, such as roofing, installation, electrical contracting, and repair and upkeep for solar panels. The company also offers the Tesla Powerwall battery, which lets homeowners store energy from their solar panels for later use.
Impact on the Community: The company has planned, installed, and maintained more than 7,000 solar systems across the country, which has helped the solar business grow a lot. The Clean Jobs Midwest Report says that the company has helped create work for over 5,100 people just in Minnesota.
Referral Program: All Energy Solar has a special program where customers can get awards for telling their friends about the business. Each proposal earns the customer $25, and each solar installation sign-up from their unique link earns them $500.
Monitoring: All Energy Solar gives customers access to an online portal to track the energy produced by their system. This makes it easy for clients to track how much money they save and how well their solar system is working.
Requires improvement:
Third-Party Installers: The company hires outside installers, which could mean that the level of installations varies.
Workmanship Warranties: These vary by installer, which can be confusing for customers and may affect their confidence in the durability of the installation.
Limited Operation: All Energy Solar only works in six states right now. The company could reach more customers and further its goal to promote solar energy by growing its business.
Everlight Solar
Established in 2017, Everlight Solar has quickly become a well-known provider of renewable energy solutions. The company’s remarkable growth rate of 930% is supported by its ranking of 632 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
The main advantages of selecting Everlight Solar:
Comprehensive Solar Solutions: Everlight Solar provides comprehensive solar services, making the switch to solar energy easy for homeowners. The company handles the entire process, from consultation to installation, and offers a 25-year warranty on the products and a 10-year guarantee on the work.
Managing the Fleet: Even the way Everlight Solar runs its service is environmentally friendly. Their carbon footprint has been further reduced with the conversion of nine cars in their fleet to renewable energy vehicles. Thanks to their effort, they were named the Fleet Operations category’s Emerging Climate Champion for 2023.
Prospective Development: A new 64,000-square-foot headquarters is part of Everlight Solar’s future ambitions in Verona, Wisconsin. They also recently stated that they would be expanding in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is another big step toward their goal of making solar energy accessible for companies and homes in the Midwest.
Community Involvement: Everlight Solar is strongly connected to the communities in which it operates. The company organizes food drives for neighborhood food banks and actively participates in Earth Day clean-up events.
Scholarship Program: Under this program, Everlight Solar will give $5,000 Clean Energy Scholarships to students at the University of Minnesota who will study and work on issues related to climate change and renewable energy in the future.
Recognition: Everlight Solar has been honored with the coveted Metro Area Better Business Bureau Spark Award in Minnesota for its dedication to ethical business operations and customer satisfaction. This shows that the firm is serious about maintaining BBB’s high standards of honesty and reliability.
Everlight Solar might yet do better in a few areas:
After-Sale Support: Customers expressed their dissatisfaction with after-sales support in reviews.
Financial Options: While the company’s zero upfront cost is commendable, providing other financial options like solar leases or power purchase agreements might draw in more clients.
Our Recommendation
After thorough research and analysis, we recommend All Energy Solar as the top solar company in Minnesota. With 15 years of experience in the solar industry, All Energy Solar has proven its commitment to providing high-quality solar solutions to residents across the state.
Customers who prioritize the quality and durability of their equipment will appreciate All Energy Solar’s selection of top brands like Enphase Energy, SolarEdge Technologies, and Tesla. Those who value a smooth, hassle-free transition to solar energy will benefit from the company’s end-to-end services, including installation, roofing, and maintenance. Moreover, All Energy Solar’s active involvement in the community and its contribution to job creation in the solar industry reflects its dedication to promoting renewable energy.
However, different homeowners have different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a company with a wide range of high-quality equipment and in-house financing, Blue Raven Solar might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if community involvement and a commitment to renewable energy are important to you, Everlight Solar’s initiatives might resonate with you.
For more information and to explore other solar companies in Minnesota, visit our website, SolarPowerSystems.org. Our platform can help you find a solar company that offers the services you need and fits your budget.
The Role of Family-Owned and Privately Held Companies in the Solar Industry
If you buy from a family-owned or privately held solar company, you’re not just buying solar panels; you’re also investing in your community and helping companies that care about your long-term satisfaction. What’s the big deal about these solar companies?
A 4.72 out of 5 average review score was achieved by mid-sized privately owned solar enterprises with 15–100 workers, according to data from SolarReviews. That surpasses the 4.63 industry average and demonstrates their dedication to providing high-quality service. Solar companies with less than 15 workers had an average review score of 4.58. These figures point to the fact that mid-sized family-owned businesses manage to strike a good balance between operational capability and customized service.
Picking a family-owned or privately held solar company has its benefits:
Personalized Service: It is more probable that you will be regarded as a unique customer rather than merely a sales quota number. It is possible that the owner will be working on your project directly.
Local Expertise: These businesses usually know all the ins and outs of solar energy in Minnesota, including the rules, laws, and incentives that are unique to the state. The local climate, construction standards, and utility rules are well-known to them.
Responsibility: A greater feeling of accountability for the quality of work is often present when the owner’s name is associated with the company. It is normal for the owner to be easily reachable if there are any problems.
Flexibility: Smaller businesses can usually respond more quickly to customer wants or changes in the local market. They don’t have to follow strict company rules.
Long-Term Commitment: Family-run enterprises often consider their legacy in addition to immediate financial gain. This might equate to a focus on creating enduring connections with clients.
Community Investment: It is probable that these businesses actively participate in and provide assistance to the local Minnesota community. Your solar investment may benefit the local economy and your neighbors.
Quality Focus: Since family-owned businesses don’t have to please external shareholders, they can put quality ahead of fast growth. Usually, this means using better equipment and spending more time making sure the setups are perfect.
Evaluating Large Corporate Installers
Although there have traditionally been issues with client satisfaction for large corporate installers, many have made significant progress in recent years.
Features of major corporate installers:
Nationwide Presence: These businesses are present in many states and usually serve a large part of the U.S. market.
Large Workforce: They usually have hundreds or even thousands of employees spread out across various departments.
Diverse Offerings: A lot of them now offer a wider range of sustainable energy solutions, in addition to energy storage, electric car chargers, and solar installations.
Standardized Processes: Big fitters usually have clear steps for everything, from the first meeting to helping customers after the job is done.
Selecting a big corporate installer has its benefits:
Competitive Pricing: Because of economies of scale, these businesses can give lower prices on services and equipment. The average cost of installing a home PV system dropped by 80% between 2010 and 2020, according to a study conducted in 2021. This was partly because bigger companies were able to lower their prices.
Modern Innovations: Large solar energy companies often work with major manufacturers to give their customers access to the newest solar technologies. Tesla’s solar roof tiles, for example, are a new way to install solar panels in homes, which are mostly available through their extensive installation network.
Options for Financing: Large providers usually offer a number of ways to pay for solar panels, such as loans, power purchase agreements, and solar leases.
Efficient Customer Service: These businesses usually have customer service teams and online tools that make system tracking and help easy. For accurate system design and production projections, many large companies use high-tech tools.
Capacity to Manage Complex Projects: Due to their resources, major installers are often able to take on more intricate or substantial projects that smaller businesses would not be able to accomplish.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Personalized Solar Plan
Getting a personalized solar plan is a step-by-step process that requires careful consideration of your energy needs, diligent research, and a detailed evaluation of the solar quotes you receive. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:
Assess Your Energy Needs: The first step in getting a personalized solar plan is understanding your current energy consumption. Take a look at your electricity bills from the past year and calculate your average monthly usage. This will give you a ballpark figure of the amount of energy you need to offset with your solar system.
Research Solar Installers: Once you have an understanding of your energy needs, it’s time to start researching solar companies in Minnesota. Look for companies with a strong track record, positive customer reviews, and necessary certifications. Our website, SolarPowerSystems.org, can be a valuable resource in this step, offering comprehensive information and detailed analysis of top solar installers in Minnesota.
Get a Solar Quote: After narrowing down your list of potential companies, reach out to them for a Solar Quote. This should include the cost of the solar system, installation, and any additional services like maintenance or financing options. Make sure to ask about liability insurance to protect you from any potential damages during the installation process.
Evaluate Quotes: With your solar quotes in hand, it’s time to do some evaluation. Don’t just look at the bottom line; also consider the quality of the equipment, the warranties offered, and the reputation of the company. The cheapest quote might not always be the best choice, especially if it compromises on quality or service.
Contact Your Preferred Installer: Once you’ve chosen a solar company that best fits your needs, get in touch with them to discuss your solar plan in detail. They should be able to answer all your questions and guide you through the next steps of the process.
Schedule an On-Site Assessment: Finally, your chosen solar company will likely want to conduct an on-site assessment. This will allow them to check your property’s suitability for solar panels and finalize the design of your solar system.
With the right plan and the right solar company, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of solar energy for years to come. Remember, getting a solar quote is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Unveiling the Solar Energy Pathways in Minnesota: Essential Steps towards a Sustainable Future
Taking the leap towards solar energy adoption is a fantastic move for both your wallet and the environment. Start by evaluating your energy needs. Next, assess the solar potential of your home. Consider factors like roof direction, shading, and local weather. Once you’ve got a clear picture of your energy needs and solar potential, start researching local solar companies. Request quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Lastly, always read the fine print before signing any contracts.
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