10 best solar companies in Burnsville, Minnesota
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Burnsville, Minnesota, you'll need to hire a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Burnsville to help you find the right one.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, review the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Burnsville or opt for an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Burnsville homeowners to save $1,400 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Burnsville
When evaluating Burnsville solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
Everlight Solar
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US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
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iSolar
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SolarPod
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Apadana Solar Technologies
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TruNorth Solar
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Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota
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Wolf River Electric Company
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Solar Connection
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Kuntz Electric, Inc.
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Burnsville?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Burnsville, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the best reasons for adopting solar power:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Burnsville
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burnsville?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
As per numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Burnsville has an average cost of $20,281.
How much can you save by going solar in Burnsville?
Installing solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Burnsville from going solar
Homeowners in Burnsville who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Burnsville's standard solar payback period is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Burnsville: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy, Burnsville homeowners save around $1,410 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,950 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Burnsville from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 90 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2250 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Burnsville?
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Burnsville. Various programs cover all Minnesota residents, while others are based on your utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives to Minnesota homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Performance-Based Incentive Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program | Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid |
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Property Tax Incentive Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption | Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes |
Sales Tax Incentive Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption | 100% of sales tax |
Rebate Program Xcel Energy (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50 Natural Gas Furnace Existing Home: $200-$400 Natural Gas Furnace New Construction: $100-$200 Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler: $100-$400 ECM Furnace: $100 Central AC: $150-$450 Tank Water Heater: $75-$500 Tankless Water Heater: $250 Attic/Wall Insulation: 30% of project cost Air Sealing: $150-$200 Furnaces: $200-$425 Boilers: $125-$400 ECM Motor Furnace Fan: $125 Programmable Thermostat: $10 Heat Pumps: $175-$475 Water Heating: $100-$250 Clothes Washer: $10 Refrigerator: $15 Ground Source Heat Pump: $150/ton |
Rebate Program Brainerd Public Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Dishwasher: $35 Clothes Washer: $35 Electric Clothes Dryer: $35 Refrigerator: $35 Freezer: $35 Dehumidifier: $20 Room/Window A/C: $35 High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $35 Central A/C Tune-Up: $35 Central A/C: $200-$350 Mini Split/Ductless A/C: $250 ECM Replacement Motor: $100 Furnaces: $200-$375 Heat Pump Water Heater: $250 Air Source Heat Pump: $250 Geothermal Heat Pump: $100/ton |
Grant Program Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants | Varies |
Loan Program Connexus Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $7,500 OR $20,000 |
Rebate Program Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Energy Wise Residential Efficiency Rebates | Varies by measure and member cooperative offering. |
Loan Program Home Energy Loan Program | $20,000 |
Loan Program Fix-Up Loan | $15,000. Applicants may be eligible for higher loan and term amounts depending on income |
Performance-Based Incentive Renewable Energy Production Incentive | 1.5¢/kWh 1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair |
Rebate Program Dakota Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | LEDs: up to $2/bulb LED Yard Light: $30/fixture Clothes Dryer: $25 Central AC/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $25 Central A/C Installation: $280- $330 depending on SEER rating Air-Source Heat Pump Installation: $480- $630 depending on SEER rating Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300 - $500 Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/ton Electric Thermal Storage Heat: $50/kW Electric Water Heater: Up to $400 Heat Pump Water Heater: up to $400 Refrigerator: $75 Freezer: $75 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $75 ECM Furnace Motor: $100 Pool Pump Variable Speed Motor: $200 Air-Source Heat Pump Pool Heater: $400 Solar Panel Installation: $0.50/watt of installed solar, not to exceed $4,000 Load Management: Varies |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Burnsville solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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