3 Best Solar Companies in Brainerd, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Brainerd based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Brainerd, MN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Brainerd homeowner saves $1,365/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Brainerd

If you’re a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Brainerd, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the hard work is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a great choice. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $16,000 on your power bills.


There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Brainerd.Interested in seeing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Brainerd solar installer.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Brainerd

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.rreal.org/
Address: 3963 8th St SW, Backus, MN 56435
Phone: 2183017419
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Wolf River Electric Company

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://wolfriverelectric.com/
Address: 101 Isanti Parkway Northeast Suite G, Isanti, MN 55040
Phone: 7632296662
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.rarenergy.us/
Address: 531 W Broadway St, Monticello, MN 55362
Phone: 6124307640

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Brainerd

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Brainerd based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Brainerd


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Minnesota solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Brainerd

Even though solar panels can save you a decent chunk of change on energy over time, it’s important to take into consideration the startup costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your energy bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
  • Your income and budget: This affects what type of solar panels you can afford.
  • Your home's power bills: Due to fairly high monthly electricity bills in Brainerd, you could save about $1,000 a year with solar.
  • Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive option for households that don’t consume too much energy per month.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.

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Adopting green energy can considerably impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Brainerd, MN.

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Solar Incentives in Brainerd

Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over several years due to reduced energy bills and government incentives.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Brainerd

An important reason so many consider switching to solar power is to help reduce their environmental impact.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? For people who are environmentally-conscious, switching to solar power is a straightforward choice, especially since Brainerd produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Brainerd, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar company in Brainerd?

In Brainerd, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.

Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?

Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much energy generation you want.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.