Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Dakota, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in comprehensive residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of local incentives, and high-quality craftsmanship. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
A well-established, multi-state contractor with a strong presence in Minnesota. They are recognized for their expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They offer robust financing options and have strong manufacturer partnerships, providing customers with high-quality equipment and warranty options.
A reputable regional installer based in Rochester, making them a very convenient option for residents of Dakota. They focus on making solar accessible and offer comprehensive services from initial consultation to system monitoring and maintenance. They are particularly strong in explaining the financial benefits and available incentives to homeowners.
** The home solar market in and around Dakota, Minnesota, is robust and competitive, characterized by a high standard of quality due to Minnesota's specific licensing and electrical codes. The market is served by a mix of strong local/regional companies from the Rochester area and larger state-wide operators from the Twin Cities metro. Competition is healthy, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, highly dependent on system size and energy needs. Homeowners in this region have access to excellent incentives, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and installers are generally very knowledgeable about navigating these programs. The prevalence of net metering policies in Minnesota also makes solar a financially attractive investment for reducing utility bills.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Dakota regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Dakota, Minnesota.
While solar panels are slightly more efficient in cooler temperatures, the shorter winter days and potential snow cover do reduce production from November to February. However, Minnesota's long summer days with high sun angles lead to exceptionally high production from May through August, which often offsets winter dips. Proper system design with a steeper tilt angle helps panels shed snow more easily, and modern panels will still generate power on cloudy days, making solar a strong year-round investment in Dakota County.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Dakota County ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Minnesota's state-specific incentives, like the Solar*Rewards program from Xcel Energy (if applicable) and property tax exclusion for the added home value. Your local Dakota Electric Association also offers net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After system design and signing, the installer handles securing permits from your city and interconnection approval from your utility (Dakota Electric or Xcel Energy). Physical installation usually takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for the utility to install a net meter and grant "Permission to Operate," which can take several weeks. Planning for a spring installation is ideal to capture the full summer production season.
Prioritize installers who are certified (like NABCEP), licensed in Minnesota, and have extensive experience with local permit requirements across Dakota County's various cities (e.g., Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville). They should be familiar with specific ordinances regarding setbacks, aesthetic requirements, and electrical codes. Always check reviews, ask for local references, and verify they will handle the entire permitting and utility interconnection process for you.
Both major utilities in the county, Dakota Electric Association and Xcel Energy, offer net metering programs. Your system's excess generation credits your account at the retail rate, rolling over month-to-month. In Minnesota, these credits are particularly valuable because you can "bank" surplus summer generation to offset higher winter usage. It's important to size your system appropriately with your installer to maximize this annual credit cycle and minimize any true-up payments.