Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lake Hubert, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Minnesota-based solar installer known for its high-quality residential and commercial installations. They offer a comprehensive, start-to-finish service from consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems makes them an excellent fit for the varied needs of the Lake Hubert area, including cabins and primary residences.
A well-established, employee-owned company with a strong presence in the Midwest, including Minnesota. They are known for their professional project management, high-quality equipment from top manufacturers, and extensive knowledge of state and federal incentives. They provide a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments.
A Minnesota-born company that specializes in solar and battery storage solutions tailored to the state's climate. They emphasize building durable, high-performing systems and have a strong focus on customer education. Their services are well-suited for both grid-tied homes looking for backup power and remote properties requiring fully off-grid systems.
** The home solar market in the Lake Hubert and broader Brainerd Lakes Area is characterized by a small but highly specialized and competitive field of regional providers. Due to the lack of local "in-town" installers, residents typically work with established companies from larger regional hubs like the Twin Cities, Duluth, or St. Cloud that have proven track records of servicing the area. * **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of service is generally high, as the companies competing for business in this region are seasoned professionals with significant experience navigating Minnesota's specific climate, incentive structures (like the MN Solar Rewards program), and the unique challenges of installing systems on both lakeside primary homes and seasonal cabins. Competition is robust among the top-tier regional players. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is in line with the national average, with the average residential system cost before incentives ranging from **$20,000 to $40,000**, heavily dependent on system size and complexity. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces the net cost. The prevalence of cabins and properties in forested areas can sometimes lead to higher costs for specialized designs, tree removal, or more robust off-grid battery systems, but the top providers are adept at providing accurate quotes for these scenarios. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available through these providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lake Hubert regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lake Hubert, Minnesota.
Solar panels are very effective in Minnesota's climate, as they generate electricity from light, not just direct heat from the sun. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and snow cover is typically not a major issue; panels are installed at an angle, so snow slides off, and they begin producing power again quickly. Furthermore, Minnesota's strong net metering policies allow you to bank excess summer generation as credits to offset your higher winter usage.
For a typical home system in the Brainerd Lakes region, costs before incentives generally range from $20,000 to $35,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Minnesota's own incentive, the Solar*Rewards program from Xcel Energy, which provides an upfront rebate. Additionally, property and sales tax exemptions in Minnesota increase your long-term savings, making the net investment significantly lower.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Crow Wing County, and your installer will typically manage this process. If your property is within a specific association or covenant on Lake Hubert, you should review their architectural guidelines, though Minnesota state law (MN 216C.415) protects your right to install solar, limiting an HOA's ability to outright prohibit it. A reputable local installer will be familiar with these regional and county-specific requirements.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in Minnesota's specific climate and who are familiar with Crow Wing County's permitting process. Look for established, local or regional companies with strong references in the Brainerd Lakes area, and verify they are certified by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Always compare multiple detailed quotes that include equipment quality, warranty coverage, and projected production specific to your property's sun exposure.
With a standard grid-tied system, your solar panels will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have backup power, you must install a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a key consideration for Lake Hubert homeowners, as it provides resilience during severe winter storms or summer thunderstorms, allowing you to power essential circuits independently.