Best 9 Solar Companies in Plymouth, MN

Plymouth homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for the right provider. On this page, we'll show you Plymouth's leading solar contractors and offer valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Plymouth solar installers, using the following criteria to select the best:

• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Plymouth community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Plymouth solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Plymouth Homeowners?

Minnesota's public agencies and power companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Plymouth

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these elements in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electricians' or electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industry, along with a residential building or remodeling contractors' license in some cases. If their work is regulated by the state's Mechanical Code, they must put up a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth

Your solar modules' type will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,150 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Plymouth. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Plymouth solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Plymouth

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Plymouth.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy