Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Franklin, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A regional leader with a strong reputation across Minnesota and the Midwest. They offer a full-service, turnkey approach from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their high-quality workmanship and expertise in both residential and commercial systems.
A well-established, Minnesota-born company specializing in solar and renewable energy systems. They have a strong focus on custom-designed solutions for homeowners and are highly rated for their customer service and professional installations. They serve a wide area of Minnesota, including southern and western regions.
A more localized provider based in Olivia, MN, which is in close proximity to Franklin in Renville County. This company has deep roots in the community and specializes in bringing solar and wind energy solutions to rural and agricultural clients. Their local presence is a significant advantage for personalized service and maintenance.
** The home solar market in Franklin, Minnesota, is characteristic of a rural community. There are no major national installers with a physical office in the city itself. Instead, the market is served by a combination of strong regional operators from the Twin Cities metro area and smaller, highly specialized local contractors from nearby towns like Olivia. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While the number of physical storefronts is low, several reputable companies actively compete for projects in the region. This provides homeowners with viable options without the overwhelming choice found in metropolitan areas. **Average Quality:** High. The companies that successfully operate in this region tend to be well-established, professionally licensed, and have strong track records. They are accustomed to designing systems for a variety of property types, including rural homes and farms. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with state and national averages. The final cost for a residential system is highly dependent on system size and complexity, but a typical 6kW to 8kW system can range from **$18,000 to $30,000+ before incentives**. Homeowners in Franklin can significantly reduce this net cost through the **30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)**, and may also qualify for local utility rebates or state-specific programs, all of which the top providers are well-versed in navigating.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Franklin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Franklin, Minnesota.
Solar panels are very effective in Franklin's climate. They generate electricity from daylight, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically melts quickly off angled panels, and Minnesota's strong summer sun provides excellent production, which offsets lower winter generation. Annually, Franklin receives enough sunlight to make solar a strong investment, with systems designed to produce ample power across all seasons.
The gross cost for a typical residential system in Franklin ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, Minnesota offers significant savings: a 30% federal tax credit, a state solar incentive (often through the Made in Minnesota program or Xcel Energy rebates if applicable), and a property tax exemption for the added home value. Furthermore, net metering with your local utility (like Franklin Cooperative Electric Association) allows you to earn credits for excess power you send to the grid.
Yes, you will need to secure a building permit from the City of Franklin or Renville County, depending on your location. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The installation must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code and the National Electrical Code. Additionally, your system will require an interconnection agreement with your local utility (e.g., Franklin Cooperative Electric Association) to ensure it meets their specific safety and technical requirements for grid connection.
Look for established, local Minnesota installers familiar with Franklin's specific climate, utility requirements, and permitting process. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in the state. Ask for references from recent local installations and check reviews. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment, explain production estimates for our region, and provide a clear contract outlining costs, warranties, and the timeline from permit to interconnection.
With net metering through Franklin Cooperative Electric Association or other local providers, your meter runs backward when you produce more power than you use, banking credits on your account. These credits are used when your system isn't producing, like at night or in winter, significantly reducing your bill. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety. To have power during an outage, you must invest in a system with a solar battery backup, which is an increasingly popular addition in our area.