Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Albany, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer based in St. Cloud, specializing in both residential and commercial projects. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A well-established, employee-owned company with a strong presence across Minnesota and other states. They are recognized for their expertise in grid-tied and battery backup systems and offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments. Their certifications and manufacturer partnerships ensure high-quality installations.
A highly-rated, fast-growing solar installer known for exceptional customer service and expertise in the Midwest. While based further away, they explicitly list serving the St. Cloud area, which includes Albany. They specialize in making the solar process seamless for homeowners and are well-versed in local and national incentives.
The home solar market in Albany, Minnesota, is characterized by strong regional competition from reputable installers based in St. Cloud and the Twin Cities metro area. These companies actively compete for business in smaller communities like Albany, bringing a high level of expertise and professional service. The market quality is generally high, with installers holding necessary state licenses and certifications like NABCEP. Due to Minnesota's incentive programs, including the Solar*Rewards program for Xcel Energy customers and the federal investment tax credit (ITC), the market is active. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, making a standard 6kW system cost between $15,000 and $21,000 pre-incentive. Financing options are plentiful, with most top providers offering loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Albany regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Albany, Minnesota.
While Albany experiences significant snowfall and reduced daylight in winter, modern solar systems are designed for these conditions. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Importantly, Minnesota's net metering policy allows you to bank excess solar credits generated during long summer days to offset your winter electricity use, ensuring year-round savings.
For a typical Albany home, a solar system costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar tax credit with Minnesota-specific incentives like the Solar*Rewards program from Xcel Energy (if applicable) and a state sales tax exemption. This can reduce your net cost by 35-50%, with payback periods often between 8-12 years given local energy rates.
Yes, you will need a building and electrical permit from the City of Albany or Stearns County. Reputable local installers will manage this entire process for you. Key local considerations include adhering to the Minnesota State Building Code's structural load requirements for snow and wind, and ensuring your system interconnect agreement is filed with your utility (likely Albany Utilities or Xcel Energy).
Look for installers with strong local experience, as they understand regional weather and utility requirements. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and are licensed Minnesota electrical contractors. Ask for references from recent installations in Stearns County and confirm they handle all local permitting, interconnection, and incentive paperwork.
Solar panels installed in Albany are rigorously tested to withstand Minnesota hail and are typically rated to endure 1-inch hail at 50+ mph. A proper installation protects your roof and may even extend its life by shielding it from elements. You should notify your homeowner's insurance provider, but most policies in Minnesota cover solar panels without a significant premium increase, as they are considered a permanent attachment to the home.