Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Evansville, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional, full-service solar installer known for high-quality residential and commercial installations. They excel in custom system design, have deep knowledge of local and state incentives, and offer comprehensive in-house services from consultation to maintenance.
As part of a larger national network, Icon Power brings significant resources and buying power to its Minnesota operations. They are recognized for straightforward pricing, strong manufacturer warranties, and a focus on making solar affordable through various financing plans.
A well-regarded local contractor serving western and central Minnesota. They have built a strong reputation for personalized service, reliability, and expertise in both solar and complementary energy efficiency upgrades for homes.
** The home solar market in and around Evansville, Minnesota, is characterized by a handful of highly capable regional providers rather than a high density of hyper-local contractors. Due to Evansville's size, residents are typically served by established companies from larger hubs like the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and Fargo-Moorhead areas. The competition among these top-tier providers is strong, driving a high standard of quality, professional certifications (like NABCEP), and comprehensive service offerings. The market is mature, with installers being very knowledgeable about Minnesota-specific incentives, including the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program and Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program, which can significantly offset upfront costs. Typical pricing for a residential system in Minnesota is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average-sized 8 kW system would have a gross cost between $20,000 and $28,000. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) and state programs can reduce this net cost by 30-50%. Most providers offer a full suite of services, including design, financing, installation, and maintenance, making the process turnkey for the homeowner.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Evansville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Evansville, Minnesota.
While solar panels are slightly less efficient in cold weather, they actually perform better in the cold than in extreme heat, and Minnesota's bright, sunny winters still generate significant power. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and the reflective quality of snow can even boost production on clear days. With strong summer sun and net metering policies from providers like Runestone Electric Association, a properly sized system is absolutely worthwhile and can drastically reduce your annual electricity bills.
For a typical Evansville home, a solar installation costs between $20,000 and $35,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Minnesota offers a state solar incentive program (currently $0.90 per watt for systems under 40 kW) which can reduce your net cost by 40-50% combined. Additionally, your system will be exempt from state sales tax and any added property value from solar is exempt from property tax, making the long-term financial picture very attractive.
Installing solar in Evansville requires a building permit from the city and an electrical permit, which your reputable local installer will typically manage on your behalf. The critical step is interconnection approval from your utility, Runestone Electric Association (REA). They have specific requirements for system safety and equipment, and your installer will submit the application and coordinate the final inspection and permission to operate (PTO) to connect your system to the grid.
Look for established, local Minnesota installers with strong experience in west-central Minnesota's specific climate and utility requirements. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured, and ask for references from recent projects in Douglas County or nearby communities. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment, explain how they handle snow and wind loads, provide a clear production estimate for Evansville's weather, and transparently outline all costs and the process with REA.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, even if the sun is shining, unless you have a dedicated battery backup solution. Given Evansville's potential for winter storms, many homeowners pair their solar with a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell. This stores excess summer energy to provide essential backup power during outages, ensuring your heat, lights, and refrigerator stay on when the grid goes down.