Best Solar Companies in Minnesota of June 2023

May 11, 2023

Minnesota jumped from the 34th to 16th in SEIA's rankings in a year, highlighting the growth of solar in the state. Minnesota residents are increasingly going solar and looking for trustworthy installers. The best solar companies in Minnesota are SunPower, Blue Raven, All Energy Solar, and Tesla.

The MarketWatch Guides Team shortlisted these solar companies after extensive surveys and discussions with solar experts, panel manufacturers, and installers. We compiled a detailed methodology to review numerous solar providers across the state and across the country.

Going solar is a big decision, and homeowners typically want to be sure they are considering all the major factors when choosing the most suitable solar company. Below is a list of what to consider when exploring solar companies.

Provider

Our Score

Cost*

Years of Experience

BBB Rating*

Financing Options

SunPower

4.8/5

$15,000–$20,000+

38

A+

Cash, loan, lease, or PPA

Blue Raven

4.4/5

$15,000–$20,000+

8

A

Cash, loan, or lease

All Energy Solar

3.8/5

N/A

14

A+

Cash, loan, lease, or PPA

Tesla

4.3/5

$25,000–$30,000

8

A+

Cash, loan, lease, or PPA

*Note: Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar systems. All Energy Solar was not included in the survey. All BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

SunPower was founded when solar power was in its infancy in the United States. Over the next 30+ years, the company rose to become one of the best solar installers in the country. SunPower sells high-efficiency, made-in-house solar panels. Its panels are some of the highest-rated panels worldwide and come with a 25-year warranty.

SunPower's installation services are equally strong. It uses NABCEP-certified technicians and electricians and has a strong nationwide presence, which allows it to offer a solid 25-year workmanship warranty.

To learn more, check out our full review of SunPower.

With less than a decade of experience, Blue Raven has become a regarded solar provider, winning numerous awards. It offers excellent financing options. Blue Raven's customers can use its BluePower+ and Smartstart financing programs to buy a system more easily.

Blue Raven is also noted for using some of the highest quality solar panels and inverters in its installations.

To learn more, check out our full review of Blue Raven Solar.

All Energy Solar is one of the few solar companies that has strong customer reviews on every possible review platform. The company provides an outstanding customer experience with many installations. Besides solar power, All Energy Solar offers EV charging and roofing services.

All Energy is also noteworthy for its six payment options. Customers looking to avoid a large upfront cost can choose among a between cash purchase, direct financing with All Energy Solar, solar leases, or PPAs, home improvement loans, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a business loan. All Energy also serves residents of two neighboring states, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Tesla has garnered a fair share of praise recently, thanks to its revolutionary electric cars and rockets. While not as visible, Tesla's solar division is one of the best solar providers in the country. It has high quality modules, which are some of the best solar panels on the market. And it offers the highly rated Tesla Powerwall battery with its solar installations.

Homeowners looking for a sleek, nearly invisible solar power system can select Tesla's solar shingles. Like all major installers, Tesla has multiple financing options, leases and power purchase agreements (PPA).

To learn more, check out our full review of Tesla Energy.

Minnesota has 168 solar companies offering plenty of choices to solar-interested residents. Homeowners willing to switch to solar can choose from national brands like SunPower or Tesla. Similarly, Blue Raven or All Energy Solar are good options for those looking for easy financing.

Customers seeking a more local installer also have plenty of options such as TruNorth Solar, Cedar Creek Energy, or Midwest Roof and Solar. We recommend requesting free quotes from multiple solar energy companies and comparing the pricing and features before making a final decision.

Minnesota does not have a large number of state-based solar incentives and rebates. However, the federal and local incentives together help Minnesotans save thousands on their solar panel investment. Let us take a look at the available incentives in Minnesota.

The largest incentive available to Minnesota residents as well as all U.S. homeowners is the federal tax credit. Also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), it offers a credit to solar panel owners that is equivalent to up to 30% of their system's cost, which can be deducted from the following year's income taxes. This allows homeowners to effectively save up to 30% on their solar power system.

Incentive

Savings

Explanation

Sales tax exemption

6.875% of the system's valuE

Customers will be exempt from Minnesota's sales tax when purchasing a solar power system.

Net metering

Savings vary

Solar panel owners can send excess energy back into the grid in exchange for energy credits, which are valued at the "average retail utility energy rate."

Incentive

Savings

Explanation

SolarSense

$0.29/kWh

Based on a lottery system, customers of Minnesota Power can get a rebate of $0.29/kWh on their solar power system.

Austin Utilities’ Solar Electric Rebates

$500

Customers of Austin Utilities can receive a rebate of $500 when they install a solar power system.

Green Cost Share Program

$0.20–$0.40/kWh

Minneapolis residents can receive a rebate of minimum 20 cents and maximum 40 cents per kWh when they install solar panels.

Chaska Solar Panel Rebate

$250/kW

Customers of the City of Chaska Electric Department are eligible for a rebate of $250/kW, capped at $2,500.

Rochester Public Utilities Rebate

$500

Homeowners in the service area of RPU who have a solar system larger than 2 kW can receive a rebate of $500.

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program

$0.5–$2/W upfront incentive, $0.015–$0.02/kWh performance-based incentive

Xcel Energy's customers are eligible for both a one-time rebate and an energy production-based rebate. The company also offers rebates to schools.

Minnesota has dozens of reputable solar installers. The most popular solar companies in Minnesota are SunPower, Tesla, Blue Raven and All Energy Solar.

Solar photovoltaic energy is the type of solar energy used to power appliances in a house. On the other hand, residents can use solar thermal energy for heating water or air.

Solar is a clean energy that significantly reduces the carbon emissions that are indirectly released by a home's energy consumption. Moreover, it also provides energy independence and energy security to homeowners and business owners.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Minnesota has 168 solar companies. Out of these, 37 are equipment manufacturers, 58 are installation companies, while the remaining 73 are classified as "others."

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors for comparing solar panel installation companies. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Sustainability (5 points): Companies with a detailed sustainability statement, ESG disclosures, end-of-life panel disposal programs and community partnerships earned all five points in this category.

Aniket Bhor is a solar engineer who has spent nearly a decade studying and working in the solar power sector in the European, Asian and North American markets. He is a climate enthusiast and avid cyclist, and he also loves to lose himself in books and cooking.