15 Best Solar Companies in Orono, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Orono based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Orono, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Orono homeowner saves $1,479/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Orono
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Orono homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power easier. While solar power is a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the top options in your area.To help you know if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Orono by clicking the button 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 Orono
SolarPod
Prompt Service Delivery- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Grid-Tied Solar System- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Go Green Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Everlight Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Renewable Solar Resources
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
TruNorth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
iSolar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Greenway Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
Sisu Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Wolf River Electric Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Orono
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Orono 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 Orono
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 Orono
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to hire depends on how much it’ll cost.There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- 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 will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $18,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Orono uses a decent amount of, and consequently may save on their energy bills.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could impact the environment and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Orono, MN.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Orono
There are several reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.When you install a solar panel system, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some local incentives that you can use to further save. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Orono
Installing solar panels can have a meaningful effect on the environment.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? A key thing to think about is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be bigger, so adopting solar energy for your house can help offset that.When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 90 pounds each year. The perks of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Orono residents have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Orono, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Orono is SolarPod, with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.3 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
In most cases, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy 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.