Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clearwater, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service, employee-owned solar installer with a strong presence in Minnesota. They handle the entire process from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Known for high-quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service.
A leading Minnesota-based solar contractor specializing in both residential and commercial projects. They are praised for their knowledgeable design consultants and seamless installation process, with a focus on custom solar solutions for each home.
A highly-rated, family-owned solar and electrical company known for its personalized service and expertise. While based in Wisconsin, they actively serve the western Wisconsin and Minnesota market, including the St. Cloud/Clearwater area. They excel in system design and customer communication.
** The home solar market in Clearwater, Minnesota, is part of a robust and growing regional market driven by Minnesota's supportive policies, including net metering and the state's Solar*Rewards program. As a smaller city, Clearwater itself does not host a large number of dedicated solar installers, but it is competitively served by established companies from the Twin Cities metro area and St. Cloud region. The competition is moderate to high among these regional players vying for customers in the area. The average quality of service is high, as these companies typically hold key certifications like NABCEP and partner with top-tier manufacturers (e.g., Qcells, Enphase, Tesla). Typical pricing for a residential system in Minnesota ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size and energy needs. Homeowners in Clearwater have excellent access to knowledgeable providers who can effectively navigate state-specific incentives and financing options.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clearwater regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clearwater, Minnesota.
Solar panels are very effective in Clearwater's climate. They generate electricity from daylight, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and winter production, while lower than summer, is still significant. Importantly, Minnesota's net metering policy allows you to bank excess summer credits to offset winter usage, making the annual system balance highly viable.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical residential system in the Clearwater area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Key Minnesota-specific incentives include the state's Solar*Rewards program (a per-watt rebate from your utility) and a valuable property tax exemption, meaning your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation. Additionally, you must use a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry-licensed contractor to qualify for these incentives.
The ideal installation time is late spring, summer, or early fall. This avoids potential delays from frozen ground or heavy snow, which can complicate the permitting process and physical installation. Scheduling during this window ensures your system is operational in time to maximize production during the sunniest months, allowing you to build up net metering credits with your utility (like Connexus Energy or Xcel Energy) before winter.
Always verify the installer is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Look for established local or regional companies with extensive experience navigating local utility interconnection requirements (e.g., Wright-Hennepin, Stearns Electric) and Clearwater's specific building permit process. Request multiple quotes, check reviews, and ask for local references to see their work on homes with similar roof types and exposures to our climate.
Clearwater and Wright County have generally solar-friendly regulations, but you must obtain a building permit. Key considerations include roof setback requirements from edges and ridges for fire safety. If your home is in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), Minnesota state law (MN Statute 500.30) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations, though they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines. Your chosen installer should handle this permitting process.