Solar companies in Minnesota are some of the best in the country. Here’s what you need to know about them and how to get involved.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Solar Energy job in Minnesota is $114200. However, the salary range is between $96,518 and $130,613.
While this may not be the article’s focus, you should learn about the best solar companies in Minnesota that you can work for or with.
Table of contents
- 15 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota | 2023 Careers, Location
- 1 Solhaven
- 2 Aurora Energy
- 3 Solar 1
- 4 Innovative Power Systems (IPS)
- 5 Veolia Energy
- 6 Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)
- 7 Duluth Energy Systems (DES)
- 8 Cooperative Light and Power
- 9 Ecolibrium Solar
- 10 Great River Energy
- 11 Bluestem Energy Solutions
- 12 SunSource Homes
- 13 United Power and Gas
- 14 Sprague Energy
- 15 Northern States Power Company
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Minnesota?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Minnesota Best Solar Companies in 2023
- FAQS on 15 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota | 2023 Careers, Location
- References
How Long Do Solar Last Before it Expires
Solar panels are designed to last for a long time, typically 25-30 years or more, before they end their useful life. However, the actual lifespan of a solar panel can vary depending on several factors:
- Quality: High-quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers will likely last longer than cheaper, lower-quality meetings.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can help extend the lifespan of solar panels.
- Environmental factors: Solar panels are exposed to the elements, and extreme temperatures, hail, and high winds can damage them over time.
- Usage: Solar panels that are used heavily or subjected to frequent fluctuations in power output may not last as long as those that are used more conservatively.
- Technological advancements: As technology improves, newer solar panels may become more efficient and longer-lasting than older models.
It’s worth noting that even after solar panels reach the end of their useful life, they may still be able to generate electricity at reduced efficiency. In some cases, the panels can also be recycled or repurposed.
15 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota | 2023 Careers, Location
- 1 Solhaven
- 2 Aurora Energy
- 3 Solar 1
- 4 Innovative Power Systems (IPS)
- 5 Veolia Energy
- 6 Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)
- 7 Duluth Energy Systems (DES)
- 8 Cooperative Light and Power
- 9 Ecolibrium Solar
- 10 Great River Energy
- 11 Bluestem Energy Solutions
- 12 SunSource Homes
- 13 United Power and Gas
- 14 Sprague Energy
- 15 Northern States Power Company
1 Solhaven
Solhaven is one of the best solar companies in Minnesota. The company has been around since 2015 and has grown from a small start-up into one of the largest solar companies in their region.
They offer entry-level and senior management positions for all levels of experience.
The average annual salary at Solhaven is $87,000 per year, with benefits like health insurance and 401k matching contributions offered by the company.
2 Aurora Energy
Aurora Energy is a subsidiary of Northern States Power Company. It was founded in 1891 and has grown to become one of Minnesota’s largest energy providers and solar companies. The company has over 2100 employees dedicated to serving its customers’ needs.
Aurora Energy’s headquarters in North Branch, Minnesota, serves customers across northern Minnesota, eastern Wisconsin, and southwestern Ontario.
3 Solar 1
Solar 1 is one of Minnesota’s most prominent and best solar companies, and they’ve installed over 50MW of solar projects in the state.
They’re also a leading installer in the US, with more than 500MW of installed capacity across their network.
They’re committed to solar and have a solid local presence in Minnesota. They’ve been in business since 2007 and have an excellent track record of customer satisfaction.
See also: 15 Best Solar Companies in Maryland | 2023 Careers, Location
4 Innovative Power Systems (IPS)
Innovative Power Systems (IPS) is a leading solar company in Minnesota. IPS has been in business for over 30 years and is one of the state’s largest distributors of solar panels and other components.
IPS has over 100 employees at its headquarters in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This company also has satellite offices throughout the state and sales partners who can help you find affordable solutions if IPS doesn’t meet your needs directly.
5 Veolia Energy
Veolia Energy is a solar company in Minnesota. It installs and builds solar panels, which are installed on rooftops or other surfaces. The company offers its services to homeowners who want to install solar panels.
Veolia Energy began as a small business in 2004 and has grown steadily.
In 2018, it was acquired by Dixons Carphone Plc., which owns several electronics retailers worldwide (including Currys PC World).
6 Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) is a member-owned electric utility that provides electricity to 22 member cities in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
SMMPA is the only full-service public power provider in the region, providing energy from its generating facilities, including two nuclear reactors at Winona Lake and a state-of-the-art gas turbine plant at Callaway County.
The company also owns and operates four hydroelectric plants on the Mississippi River near Tower City Dam.
SMMPA has been operating since 1999 under an agreement with the state of Minnesota to provide service through 2023; however, it submitted plans for restructuring its debt last year following concerns about future costs due to federal regulations governing carbon emissions from coal-fired plants.
7 Duluth Energy Systems (DES)
Duluth Energy Systems (DES) is a solar installer and Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA) member.
DES has been in business since 1979 and has been an MSEIA member since 2017. DES was founded by three brothers who wanted to make a difference in their community by providing safe and reliable energy solutions for homes, businesses, churches, and schools throughout Minnesota.
They currently employ more than 200 people across all five states where they operate: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota & South Dakota; so if you’re looking for jobs in these areas, then DES would be an excellent place for you!
8 Cooperative Light and Power
Cooperative Light and Power is a Minnesota-based solar power company that provides residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Cooperative Light and Power has been in business since 2016. The company’s founder is Nathan Scholl, who was born in Minnesota and grew up on a farm near Alexandria, where he learned how to work with his hands.
After college at St Olaf College, he became an executive for United States Steel Corp.. Still, he realized that this wasn’t what he wanted out of life anymore, so he decided to start his own company called Cooperative Energy Services LLC, which helped people save money by saving energy through renewable resources like wind turbines or solar panels as well as improving air quality through carbon capture technology (CCT).
9 Ecolibrium Solar
Ecolibrium Solar is a solar company that serves Minnesota and the surrounding areas. They have been in business since the early 2000s and are an industry veteran!
The products they offer are high quality and made to last for years. Their customer service is second to none; they will help you find the right system for your home or business, no matter how big or small!
It is one of the best solar companies in Minnesota.
10 Great River Energy
Great River Energy is a member of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and has a presence in 13 states. The company employs more than 1,000 people and has been operating for 40 years.
Great River Energy was founded in 1975 by Fred Weidling and Don Piper as a utility company that provides electricity to its members through an extensive network of power plants across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan.
11 Bluestem Energy Solutions
Bluestem Energy Solutions is another on this list of the best solar companies in Minnesota. They offer solar jobs in Minnesota and the opportunity to work on projects around the state.
If you’re interested in working for this company, you must know what they do and how they operate so that your future employer can determine if it would be a good fit for them too!
The first thing that stands out about Bluestem Energy Solutions is its commitment to renewable energy sources like solar power or wind turbines.
Their primary focus is helping businesses save money by investing in clean energy solutions instead of expensive fossil fuels like coal and oil, which pollute air quality by releasing greenhouse gases into our atmosphere when burned up at power plants (which often cause global warming).
12 SunSource Homes
SunSource Homes is a solar company in Minnesota, a subsidiary of SunEdison. Its founder and CEO are Chuck Watson, who started the company in 2013 with three employees and has grown it to over 1,000 employees across its offices in Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon.
SunSource Homes have won awards for their innovative products and services, including Best Energy Efficiency Company by Environmental Leader Magazine for 2018; Top Solar Installer Award by Wholesale Solar Portal; Best Newcomer Company by Clean Tech Pioneer Awards; Best Energy Services Provider at MN Solar Summit 2017; Outstanding Leadership Award from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
13 United Power and Gas
United Power & Gas has been a local utility provider in business for over 30 years. They are located in Minnesota, providing electricity, natural gas, and water service to millions of homes nationwide.
Their services include electrical service, gas delivery, water delivery, and sewer collection. If you want to contact them about any of these services or have any questions about what they offer, please call them at (612) 714-8919 or email them [email protected].
See also: 15 Best Solar Companies in New York | 2023 Careers, Location
14 Sprague Energy
Sprague Energy is a solar company that has been in business for over 20 years. They provide services to residential and commercial customers throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Here are some of the things you can expect from them:
- Location – Sprague Energy’s headquarters are located in Minneapolis, MN. They also have other offices in St Paul, MN, and Chicago, IL.
- Services – The company provides design services for new installations and offers project management support when they’re on-site (or at least within driving distance). That way, you can find someone else who knows what they’re doing when it comes time for installation!
It offers many options when considering how much energy each system will generate per month—you’ll need this information if your budget allows for something more significant than typical models available today; otherwise, look elsewhere because those aren’t going anywhere soon.
15 Northern States Power Company
Northern States Power Company is a subsidiary of Xcel Energy that provides electricity to more than 1.4 million customers in the Upper Midwest.
The company’s headquarters is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it also operates in Wisconsin, with its main office near Madison, Wisconsin.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Minnesota?
Solar panels in Minnesota typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
In Minnesota, a 9-kW system costs an average of $25,000 before tax benefits and $20,000 after-tax discounts and other solar incentives.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Minnesota Best Solar Companies in 2023
We understand that choosing a solar supplier is a big decision, even though you can’t go wrong with any companies on our list. To help narrow your options, we’ve compiled a list of everyday items to consider when selecting a solar firm.
These are the main things to consider in the best solar companies in Minnesota;
Costs of service and installation
Price is typically the most crucial factor when looking for a solar energy installation company. While we acknowledge that pricing is necessary, we recommend not going with the lowest supplier.
Rooftop solar panels are a prime illustration of the saying “you get what you pay for,” as less-priced systems do not outperform more expensive systems.
Remember that a sound solar panel system will effectively reduce its cost by saving you tens of thousands of dollars in electricity expenditures during its lifespan. Solar panels can raise the value of your home, making it easy to recoup your investment when you sell it.
This is the most crucial factor to look out for in the best solar companies in Minnesota.
Equipment and Damage Warranty
A good solar warranty will shield you from unexpected charges if your system is damaged or loses effectiveness over time.
The best solar warranties cover craftsmanship, equipment, and performance for at least 25 years.
Some clients are willing to accept shorter warranty durations to save money upfront. Your risk tolerance will determine whether you are happy with a company’s warranty; nonetheless, be aware that paying for repairs out of pocket might be costly.
Solar services offered
You can choose almost any solar installation if you only need a basic solar panel system. However, just a few companies offer battery storage and EV charger installation.
Before you invest time scheduling a consultation and getting a free estimate, check a company’s website to ensure that they provide the services you seek.
Options for Financing
Rather than waiting until you have enough money to pay for a solar installation in full, getting a solar loan is an excellent way to begin saving money on your energy expenditures immediately.
Some businesses provide PPAs and solar leasing.
Do they use contractors for installation?
Some solar companies subcontract installation work to unaffiliated companies, resulting in varying client experiences and uncertainty when dealing with difficulties. We recommend going with a company that conducts all its installations when possible.
This is one of the most important factors to look out for in the best solar companies in Minnesota.
Manufacturers of Solar Equipment install
Choose providers that provide the most efficient solar panels to get the most out of your solar array.
Tesla and Maxeon are regarded as making the best panels on the market, although Panasonic, LG, and Q Cells are just a little behind.
Tesla also manufactures the best energy storage device on the market, the Tesla Powerwall battery. Enphase, Generac, and LG also create excellent solar batteries, making dealing with power outages less unpleasant.
Solar energy systems also require inverters to convert the DC power generated by photovoltaic panels into the AC power required by your home. Enphase, SMA, and SolarEdge are the most popular inverters and are all terrific choices.
Online rating
Before signing any contracts, read as many customer reviews as possible from as many unbiased websites as possible. Because they usually highlight the unpleasant aspects of the experience, online reviews help understand what it’s like to be a client.
A few negative reviews aren’t a deal breaker, but a significant amount of them may be caused one to shun a company and look elsewhere.
Industry Partnerships
The solar market depends on manufacturers, installers, and educators working together to raise knowledge of the benefits of solar electricity and aid more people in using it.
If you want the most reliable servicing for the whole life of your solar panels, choose a company with many relationships because that usually signifies a long-term commitment.
This is another important factor to look out for in the best solar companies in Minnesota.
See also: 15 Best Solar Companies in Arizona 2023 Careers, Location
Company Size
Finally, while some consumers choose large, nationally recognized solar companies, others prefer to do business with local, family-run businesses.
Bigger solar installers can often offer cheaper options than smaller enterprises. Still, they may need to be more attentive to support needs because of their larger customer base.
FAQS on 15 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota | 2023 Careers, Location
Yes, without a doubt. Solar panels in Minnesota typically range in price from $15,000 to $30,000 and, once paid for, generate lifetime utility bill savings of roughly $20,000 on average.
Solar panels are more than worthwhile for most Minnesotans, considering the savings and the value they add to your property.
Minnesota residents are eligible for the federal tax credit, often known as the solar investment tax credit or ITC, which allows taxpayers to deduct 30% of the total cost of a solar power system off their tax bill the following year.
Furthermore, Minnesota residents are exempt from paying sales tax on solar system purchases, saving them approximately 7%.
Solar energy is successful in Minnesota, refuting the popular myth that solar panels are inefficient in colder climates. While Minnesotans often demand larger systems than their counterparts in southern California, a reasonably sized system can quickly reduce most of their monthly energy expenses.
In Minnesota, a 9-kW system costs an average of $25,000 before tax benefits and $20,000 after-tax discounts and other solar incentives.
Yes. Solar panels increase a property’s worth by around 4.1%, or an average of $13,000, according to the real estate website Zillow, based on the average home value in Minnesota of $330,000.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to find the best solar companies in Minnesota.
As we mentioned above, these are just some of the many different ways you can choose from when it comes to finding the right company for your needs.
You may want something simple and affordable, like one of our top picks, or something more advanced and expensive, like an off-grid system.
The most important thing is to remember that there are so many options out there; do your research before making any decisions!
References
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