Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kent, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, veteran-owned company based in Fargo, ND, specializing in comprehensive residential and commercial solar solutions. They are known for their custom design process, in-house installation teams, and extensive knowledge of local and national incentives. Their service area explicitly includes Wilkin County, where Kent is located.
A leading solar installer headquartered in Detroit Lakes, MN, placing them in close proximity to Kent. They focus on the entire lifecycle of a solar system, from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and monitoring. Their deep roots in the lakes area make them a trusted local provider for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
A well-established regional installer based in Fargo with a strong focus on customer education and high-quality components. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments to ensure the solar system is perfectly sized for the home's needs. They have a strong track record of installations across the Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota region.
** The home solar market for a small city like Kent, Minnesota is characterized by a reliance on established regional contractors from larger population centers rather than having local, in-town installers. The competition level is moderate but specialized; homeowners have several excellent, reputable options to choose from, all of which are accustomed to serving rural and small-town communities. The average quality of these providers is high, as they have built their reputations on professionalism, navigating Minnesota's specific climate challenges, and maximizing state-specific incentives like the Minnesota Solar Rewards program. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%, and additional state incentives can improve the return on investment further. All top providers are well-versed in these financial mechanisms and offer various financing and leasing options to make solar accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kent regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kent, Minnesota.
While Minnesota has fewer peak sun hours than sunnier states, modern solar panels are highly efficient and generate significant power even on cloudy days. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the reflective quality of snow can sometimes boost production. Importantly, Kent's long summer days provide excellent production to offset lower winter generation, making annual energy savings very achievable.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Minnesota ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Minnesota offers a state solar incentive program that provides an upfront rebate per watt installed. Additionally, your system will be exempt from state sales tax and any added property value from the panels is exempt from property tax, significantly improving the long-term return on investment.
The ideal installation time is late spring through early fall to avoid winter weather delays. The entire process—from consultation and design to permitting with your local utility (likely Otter Tail Power Company), installation, and final inspection—typically takes 2 to 4 months. Scheduling an installation in the spring allows your system to be fully operational to capture maximum summer sun.
Look for providers licensed in Minnesota with strong local experience, especially with handling snow load calculations and interconnection agreements with Otter Tail Power. Check reviews and ask for references from nearby installations. Key local steps include obtaining an electrical permit from Wilkin County and ensuring your system design complies with the state's net metering rules, which credit you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Your solar system will still produce energy in winter, though at reduced levels, and remains connected to the grid to draw power when needed, ensuring continuous supply. It's important to understand that standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons (to protect utility workers). To have backup power during an outage, you must invest in an additional battery storage system, which is a popular consideration for Kent homeowners concerned about rural grid reliability.