15 Best Solar Companies in Waconia, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Waconia based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Waconia, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Waconia homeowner saves $1,481/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Waconia
When you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Waconia, going through so many options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many fantastic benefits. While solar power is a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make that expense 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 introduce you to the top Waconia solar installers so you can find the best one for your home’s sustainable energy needs.To help you figure out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Waconia by clicking the button below.
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 Waconia
SolarPod
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Go Green Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Everlight Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
TruNorth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Renewable Solar Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
iSolar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Sisu Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Greenway Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Wolf River Electric Company
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Tesla Powerwall
BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Waconia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Waconia 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 Waconia
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 Waconia
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to install your system.A few main factors that dictate the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- How much energy you use: If your family regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
- The cost of energy for you: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Waconia, you can save an average of $1,279 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can use. In addition, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Due to Waconia’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your energy bills.
Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Waconia
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economically viable and accessible.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money back after buying solar panels. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Waconia
Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful impact on the environment.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? In a city like Waconia where commute times can be pretty long, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving a lot.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. As you can see, using solar power has so many other rewards beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the planet too.
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 Waconia, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Waconia?
In Waconia, SolarPod is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your electricity bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.2 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.