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 hundreds of options can be daunting, 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 when you use solar power. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be much higher than that overall.
If you want to make use of the great amount of perks of solar, we’ll help you narrow down your options to find the Rochester solar installer that’s perfect for you.To get an idea of how much you would pay to put up a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Rochester by clicking the "get quote" 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 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
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs above all.There are several factors you should consider when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- How much power your household consumes: Homes that consume lots of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- The type and model of solar panels you want: Some are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- Your energy bills: This will affect how much money you might save. In Rochester, the average resident can save about $1,400 a year on their electricity bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.
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If you'd like to know how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Rochester, MN.
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Solar Incentives in Rochester
Switching to solar power has lots of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester
Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial impact on the environment.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? In Rochester, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a big effect on the planet since solar power is a renewable source of energy.In Rochester, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 in Rochester?
The highest-rated local solar company in Rochester is Solar Connection, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually 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.