Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Farmington, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service, employee-owned solar installer with a strong regional presence in the Midwest. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and repair. Their expertise in handling Minnesota's climate and utility interconnection processes is a significant strength.
A Minnesota-based solar contractor with a strong focus on residential and commercial projects. They have a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and personalized customer service. Cedar Creek Energy handles the entire process, including financing guidance and navigating state and federal incentives.
A rapidly growing, reputable solar installer known for its high customer satisfaction ratings and transparent pricing. While originally from Wisconsin, they have expanded their service area to include Minnesota and have completed numerous projects in the Twin Cities suburbs, including Farmington. They offer robust financing options and are a certified installer for top-tier equipment.
The home solar market in Farmington, Minnesota, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers from the surrounding metropolitan area. The average quality of installers is high, as companies operating in Minnesota must be well-versed in local building codes, Xcel Energy's interconnection requirements, and the state's specific climate challenges, such as snow load and hail. Competition is strong, which is beneficial for consumers, leading to competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. Homeowners can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and Minnesota's own value-of-solar tariff and other local incentives, which reputable installers will help navigate. The market trends towards high-efficiency panels and an increasing consumer interest in pairing solar with battery storage for backup power.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Farmington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Farmington, Minnesota.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Farmington, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. You can significantly reduce this with the 30% federal tax credit and Minnesota's state-specific incentives, like the Solar*Rewards program from Xcel Energy, which provides a per-watt rebate. Additionally, Farmington residents benefit from the state's sales tax exemption on solar equipment and a property tax exemption, ensuring your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation.
Solar panels are very effective in cold weather, as they operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Snowfall can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle, allowing snow to slide off relatively quickly, and their dark surfaces help melt light accumulations. Importantly, Minnesota's long summer days provide abundant sunlight, and your system's annual production is designed to account for seasonal variations, ensuring you generate substantial credits with Xcel Energy's net metering program year-round.
The process involves securing an electrical permit from the City of Farmington's Building Safety Department and ensuring your system complies with local zoning codes, such as setback requirements. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process. Crucially, your system must pass inspection by the city and be interconnected with Xcel Energy's grid, a process with specific technical requirements that a reputable local installer will handle seamlessly.
Prioritize local, licensed Minnesota electrical contractors with extensive experience installing systems under Xcel Energy's specific interconnection rules. Look for providers who offer robust warranties (25 years on panels is standard) and have a strong portfolio of installations in Dakota County. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes, verify their credentials with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and ask for local customer references to assess their service and reliability.
Xcel Energy's net metering program credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid, rolling over kilowatt-hour credits month-to-month, with an annual "true-up" settlement. This effectively uses the grid as a battery, offsetting your usage at night and in winter. Standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you invest in a dedicated battery backup system, which is an increasingly popular add-on in Farmington for maintaining essential power.