Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Madison, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer known for comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to professional installation and maintenance. They are praised for their customer education and expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
A well-established, multi-state contractor with a strong presence in Minnesota. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments, and are known for their professional project management and strong manufacturer partnerships.
A trusted local installer focused on southern and western Minnesota. They provide personalized service and specialize in designing systems tailored to the specific energy needs and property layouts of rural homeowners.
The home solar market in Madison, Minnesota, is characteristic of rural Midwestern communities. It is not saturated with intense local competition but is reliably served by a handful of established regional installers. The average quality of service is high, as these companies have built their reputations on serving multiple small towns across a wide geographic area. Homeowners in Madison benefit from the expertise of companies that understand the specific considerations of rural installations, such as varying lot sizes and interconnection with rural electric cooperatives. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $30,000** for an average-sized system. The 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) significantly reduces the net cost. Financing options are readily available through these installers, including loans and leases. Knowledge of state-specific incentives, like the Made in Minnesota program (now closed to new applicants) and value-of-solar tariffs from local utilities, is a key strength of the top providers in the region. *** *Disclaimer: Business details, licensing, and service areas are subject to change. It is always recommended to contact providers directly to confirm they service your exact address and to obtain the most current quotes and information.*
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Madison regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Madison, Minnesota.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, which benefits production during Madison's crisp, sunny winter days. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, our long summer days with high sun angles lead to exceptional energy production, often creating a surplus. Annually, Madison receives ample sunlight to make solar highly viable, and modern panels are designed to shed snow efficiently.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Madison, gross costs typically range from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Critically, Minnesota offers strong state-specific incentives, including a production-based incentive (Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program) and a state sales tax exemption. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these can reduce your net cost by 40-50%, improving payback significantly.
Yes, key regulations include Madison's local building permit requirements and compliance with the State of Minnesota's Electrical Code. For grid-tied systems, you must interconnect with your utility (likely Runestone Electric Association or Xcel Energy) under Minnesota's net metering rules, which credit you for excess power sent to the grid. Your chosen local installer will handle all necessary permits and paperwork.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Western Minnesota, as they understand regional weather patterns and utility requirements. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from recent installations in Lac qui Parle or Chippewa counties and compare detailed proposals that include production estimates specific to our climate.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall). This is a particularly valuable consideration in Madison for maintaining power during severe winter weather. Your installer can design a system with this critical backup functionality.