6 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Rochester based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Rochester, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,645/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rochester
If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Rochester, going through all the options can be taxing, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many fantastic perks. The average home can save $20,000 over 20 years after installing a solar panel system. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be well above that overall.
The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly based on your home’s setup and your overall energy requirements.We recommend shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar installers in Rochester, 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 Rochester
Solar Connection
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Kuntz Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Austin Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Champion Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
American Energy LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Midwest Solars
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rochester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rochester 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 Rochester
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 Rochester
For lots of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost.There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be an expensive option for homes that don’t use a good amount of energy a month.
- The type of solar panels you have the money for: This depends on your income and budget.
- Your household's power bills: With very high monthly electric bills in Rochester, you could save about $1,400 a year with solar.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. Plus, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Rochester
Because solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch.State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester
Going solar can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? Switching to renewable energy for electricity instead of using nonrenewable energy is a great way to lower your carbon footprint if you want to help reduce Rochester's large level of greenhouse gas emissions.If you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds each year. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Rochester, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Rochester, Solar Connection is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.