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

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

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

Average Wadena homeowner saves $1,242/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 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 Wadena

As a homeowner in Wadena, you may be planning on switching to solar energy and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it comes with a lot of benefits. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save about $15,000 over 20 years.


The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly according to your home’s layout and your overall energy needs.Want to see the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Wadena solar installer.

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 Wadena

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Todavich Electric Inc

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.todavichelectric.com/
Address: 10330 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 2187511699
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Holsen Home Automation & Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.holsenhome.com/
Address: 1709 1st Ave N Suite M, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 2187876527

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Wadena

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Wadena 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 Wadena


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 Wadena

For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to go with depends on how much it’ll cost.There are several factors you should consider when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, including:

  • How much power your home consumes: Homes that use lots of electricity each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
  • The cost of energy for you: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Wadena, you can save an average of $1,041 a month on your electricity bills.
  • The kind of solar panel system you can afford: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.

Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system and incentives.

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Solar Incentives in Wadena

Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to smaller power bills and government incentives.State and city solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Wadena

An important reason so many are considering installing solar panels is to help lower their environmental impact.A question many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? Something that can severely shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive overall. If you install solar panels and drive an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.

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 Wadena, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installation company in Wadena?

The best local solar company in Wadena is Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL), with a rating of 3.00 stars.

Are solar panels really good for the environment?

Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?

Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What are the different types of solar panels?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.