Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kensington, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer with a strong reputation across Minnesota and the Midwest. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their high-quality workmanship and excellent customer service.
A Minnesota-based, family-owned solar contractor with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects. They handle the entire process in-house, including structural engineering and custom design, ensuring a seamless experience for homeowners.
A reputable solar installer known for its customer-centric approach and deep knowledge of Minnesota's solar incentives and climate-specific installation requirements. They provide robust maintenance and repair services to ensure long-term system performance.
The home solar market in and around Kensington, Minnesota, is served by reputable regional installers rather than hyper-local companies, which is typical for smaller rural cities. The competition level is moderate, with several established Minnesota-based companies actively competing for projects in the area. The average quality of service is high, as these providers are well-versed in the specific challenges of the Minnesota climate, including snow load calculations and maximizing production during shorter winter days. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any local utility incentives. Homeowners have a strong selection of certified, insured, and experienced contractors to choose from, all of whom are knowledgeable about state-specific programs like the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program (now closed to new applicants but a legacy of the market) and net metering policies.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kensington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kensington, Minnesota.
Solar panels are quite efficient in cold, sunny weather, and Minnesota's summer sun provides excellent production. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, net metering policies from your local utility (likely Runestone Electric Association) ensure you get full credit for surplus summer energy to offset your winter usage, making the annual system highly effective.
For a typical Kensington home, a solar system costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives, depending on system size. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar tax credit with Minnesota's own state solar incentive, which provides an additional rebate per watt installed. Furthermore, property taxes in Minnesota are exempt from increasing due to the added home value from solar, and local co-ops like Runestone Electric Association offer favorable net metering.
Yes, you must comply with Douglas County building codes and obtain an electrical permit. The process is generally straightforward for residential rooftop solar. A key local consideration is ensuring your system design meets the specific interconnection requirements of your utility provider (Runestone Electric Association or Xcel Energy, depending on your location), which includes a review to ensure safety and grid compatibility.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in Minnesota's specific climate and roofing challenges (like snow loads). They should be familiar with the interconnection processes for local utilities and adept at maximizing system design for our seasonal sun angles. Check for proper licensing (Minnesota requires an electrical contractor license), strong local references, and warranties that cover both equipment and long-term workmanship.
The timeline typically spans 2 to 4 months. After design, securing permits from Douglas County can take a few weeks. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days. The longest phase is usually waiting for your utility (Runestone Electric or Xcel) to approve the interconnection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. Scheduling is also weather-dependent, with installations more common in late spring through fall.