Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lewiston, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in Minnesota and a reputation for high-quality, turnkey solutions. They handle everything from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and navigating local incentives. Their team is NABCEP-certified, and they are known for excellent customer service.
A Minnesota-based, employee-owned company specializing in both residential and commercial solar projects. They are praised for their custom design work, expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems, and their focus on customer education throughout the process.
A reputable local installer based in Winona, making them one of the closest specialized solar providers to Lewiston. They offer personalized service for southeastern Minnesota residents and have extensive experience with the specific geographical and utility considerations of the region.
** The home solar market in and around Lewiston, Minnesota, is characterized by high-quality, regional specialists rather than a high volume of local, in-town competitors. Due to Lewiston's proximity to Rochester and Winona, residents have access to well-established companies with strong reputations and significant experience. The competition level is moderate but professional, with providers differentiating themselves on service, custom design capabilities, and expertise with battery backup systems, which are increasingly popular in rural areas. Typical pricing for a residential system in Minnesota is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 - $28,000**. However, the 30% federal tax credit and potential local rebates can significantly reduce the net cost. All reputable providers in this market are highly knowledgeable about these incentives and financing options, making solar a financially viable option for many homeowners in the region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lewiston regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lewiston, Minnesota.
While winter production is lower due to snow cover and reduced daylight, modern systems are designed for this. Panels are installed at a steeper angle (around 40-45 degrees) to maximize exposure to the lower winter sun and to help snow slide off more easily. Importantly, Minnesota's long summer days with high sun angles result in abundant production, allowing your system to generate significant credits through net metering with your utility to offset winter usage.
The average installed cost for a residential system in Minnesota ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal tax credit, a valuable state incentive (the Solar*Rewards program through Xcel Energy or a production-based incentive for other utilities), and property tax exemption for the added home value. Local installers typically offer financing options like solar loans, and some may partner with local credit unions.
The process is managed by your installer, but involves two key steps. First, your installer will secure an electrical permit from the City of Lewiston or Winona County building department. Second, they will handle the interconnection agreement with your local utility (likely People's Energy Cooperative or Xcel Energy), which governs how your system connects to the grid and how you are credited for excess power via net metering.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Southeastern Minnesota. Verify they are certified (NABCEP), licensed, insured, and have positive reviews on local platforms. Ask for references from recent installations in Lewiston or nearby towns like St. Charles or Winona, and ensure they provide detailed production estimates that account for our specific climate and shading factors.
South-facing roofs with minimal shading are ideal, but east/west orientations also work well. An installer will assess your roof's condition, structure, and orientation. The best time to start the process is spring or early summer, as installation can proceed once the ground thaws, allowing for completion before winter. However, the design and permitting phase can begin any time of year.