15 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbus based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbus, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,626/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbus
Looking to go solar but still deciding on which company would be best for your needs? Although it can be challenging to choose a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great perks. Since the cost of energy is getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are planning on making the switch to solar to save money on electricity for their homes.
Here, we’ll list out some of the best solar companies in Columbus to make your choice a little easier.We recommend shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar installers in Columbus, click the link below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Columbus
Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Community Solar Projects
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
TruNorth Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Wolf River Electric Company
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Everlight Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
iSolar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Sisu Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Greenway Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarPod
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Renewable Solar Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
Legacy Solar, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbus
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbus 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 Columbus
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 Columbus
We get that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.Some important things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too pricey an investment for households that don’t consume too much energy per month.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Thanks to Columbus’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your power bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over several years because of reduced power bills and government incentives.State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace solar power is to reduce your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? In Columbus, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a big effect on the Earth since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.After you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Columbus, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Columbus?
The top local solar company in Columbus is Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s good for the environment, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels can be an eyesore.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
In most cases, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.