Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Juhl Energy is a highly respected, locally-based renewable energy developer and provider headquartered in Woodstock, MN, making it one of the closest and most community-invested options for Lake Wilson. They have deep expertise in both large-scale wind and residential solar, offering end-to-end services from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. Their long history in the region means they have extensive knowledge of local regulations, utility interconnections, and incentives.
Based in the Twin Cities but serving all of Minnesota, Cedar Creek Energy is a premier, award-winning residential and commercial solar installer. They are known for high-quality craftsmanship, excellent customer service, and a comprehensive approach that includes energy efficiency assessments. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, giving them access to some of the most efficient solar panels on the market.
All Energy Solar is a multi-state, employee-owned company with a strong reputation and a significant number of completed projects across Minnesota, including in rural areas. They offer a full suite of services and are known for their professionalism and educational approach with homeowners. They provide robust financing options and are experts in navigating state and federal incentives.
** The home solar market in and around Lake Wilson, Minnesota, is characterized by high-quality, regional providers rather than local, in-town shops. Due to the rural nature of the area, the competition is moderate but features several established, reputable companies from nearby cities like Woodstock, Rochester, and the Twin Cities that are accustomed to serving agricultural and rural residential communities. The average quality of these providers is high, with many holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Minnesota is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized system (8-10 kW), this translates to a gross cost of $20,000 - $35,000. However, Minnesota offers strong incentives, including the state's **Made in Minnesota (MiM)** Solar Incentive Program (though currently waitlisted) and a valuable Solar Energy Credit. Combined with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost to the homeowner can be significantly reduced, making solar a financially attractive option in the region known for its excellent solar resources.
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 Wilson regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lake Wilson, Minnesota.
Solar panels are very effective in Minnesota's climate, as they generate electricity from light, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and our long summer days provide abundant sunlight for high annual production. Minnesota's net metering policy also allows you to bank summer credits to offset winter usage, making a system viable year-round.
After the federal 30% tax credit, a typical residential system in southwestern Minnesota costs between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on system size. Key incentives include the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Minnesota's state solar production incentive (valued at ~$0.10/kWh for 10 years), and net metering with your local utility. These can reduce your payback period to 8-12 years.
Yes, you will need to comply with local building codes and obtain an electrical permit from Murray County. Crucially, you must coordinate with your utility provider (likely Redwood Electric Cooperative or another local provider) for interconnection approval to ensure your system safely connects to the grid and qualifies for net metering. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process for you.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in southwestern Minnesota, as they understand regional weatherization, snow load requirements, and utility interconnection processes. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified (e.g., by NABCEP). Always request references from nearby past customers and compare detailed proposals that include system production estimates specific to our local climate.
Under net metering, your solar system sends excess power to the grid, spinning your meter backward and earning credits. Your co-op (like Redwood Electric) applies these credits to offset power you draw at night or in winter. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system, which is an additional investment for backup power.