Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Barry, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, employee-owned company with a strong presence in the Midwest. They offer a full-service, turnkey approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and support. They are known for their expertise and high-quality craftsmanship.
A Minnesota-based leader in solar installation with a focus on custom residential solutions. They are praised for their knowledgeable consultation process and seamless project management. They have extensive experience with both grid-tied and off-grid systems suitable for rural areas.
Based in Duluth, TruNorth Solar is a key provider for Northern Minnesota, including communities like Barry. They specialize in navigating the unique challenges of the climate and are known for their responsive customer service and robust installation quality.
** The home solar market for residents of Barry, Minnesota, is served by high-quality regional contractors rather than local ones. The competition level is moderate but specialized, as only established companies with the capacity to service more rural areas operate here. The average quality of providers is high, with companies typically holding premier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and partnering with top-tier equipment manufacturers (e.g., Qcells, Panasonic, Enphase, Tesla). Typical pricing for a residential system in Minnesota is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 - $28,000**. However, the net cost can be significantly reduced through the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently offers a 30% tax credit, and potential local utility rebates. All top providers are well-versed in these financial incentives and typically offer various financing options, including loans and leases, to improve affordability. The market is mature, and residents of Barry can expect professional service from reputable companies accustomed to the region's specific needs, including snow load calculations and optimizing production in a climate with significant seasonal variation.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Barry regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Barry, Minnesota.
Solar panels are very effective in Barry, as they generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and modern systems are designed to shed snow relatively quickly. While production is lower in winter, Minnesota's long summer days with up to 16 hours of sunlight create a strong net annual production, especially when your system is sized correctly for our specific climate.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in the Barry area typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives. Critically, Minnesota homeowners benefit from a strong 30% federal tax credit and the state's own Solar*Rewards program, which provides a per-kilowatt-hour production incentive. Additionally, Minnesota has a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar, and your local utility, likely Runestone Electric Association, may have specific interconnection policies.
Yes, you will need to secure a building permit from Big Stone County. The process involves submitting your system plans to ensure compliance with local building and electrical codes, including wind and snow load requirements for our region. Your chosen installer should handle this permitting process, but it's important to confirm they are familiar with the specific requirements of Barry and Big Stone County.
Look for installers with strong local experience in western Minnesota, as they will understand our specific weather and grid interconnection challenges. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Minnesota, and ask for references from recent projects in nearby communities like Clinton or Ortonville. It's also wise to choose a provider familiar with working with your local electric cooperative, Runestone Electric Association, to ensure a smooth installation and interconnection.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For net metering, Minnesota has a statewide policy requiring investor-owned utilities and co-ops like Runestone Electric to offer it. You'll earn credits for surplus power sent to the grid in sunny months, which can offset your usage during less productive periods like cloudy weeks or high-consumption winter nights, leading to significant annual savings on your bill.