Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Plainview, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, Minnesota-owned and operated company specializing in full-service residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their personalized service, in-house expertise, and deep knowledge of Minnesota-specific incentives and climate considerations. They handle the entire process from design to permitting to installation.
Based in the key regional hub of Rochester, TruNorth Solar is strategically positioned to serve Plainview and the entire southeastern Minnesota area. They emphasize custom system design and are recognized for their strong customer service and professional project management. Their local presence is a significant advantage for site visits and maintenance.
A large, established regional installer serving multiple states, including a strong presence in Minnesota. They offer a comprehensive suite of services backed by significant experience and manufacturer partnerships. Their scale allows them to offer competitive financing options and robust warranty packages.
** The home solar market in and around Plainview, Minnesota, is characteristic of a rural area served by regional specialists. There is no intense, hyper-local competition, but rather a handful of high-quality, established companies from nearby population centers that extend their services to these communities. The average quality of these providers is high, as they must maintain strong reputations across a wide geographic area. Typical pricing is competitive with state and national averages, but final costs are highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and specific energy needs. Homeowners in Plainview benefit from Minnesota's strong solar incentives, including the Made in Minnesota program (if applicable) and net metering policies, which all the top providers are well-versed in navigating. The market is mature enough to offer a range of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, making solar accessible without a large upfront payment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Plainview regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Plainview, Minnesota.
Solar panels do produce less energy during Plainview's shorter winter days, and snow cover can temporarily halt production. However, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Importantly, Minnesota has strong summer sun with long daylight hours, which generates significant surplus energy that can be banked as credits with your utility (net metering) to offset winter usage, making the annual system output very effective.
A typical residential solar system in Plainview ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives, depending on system size. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal tax credit and Minnesota's own Solar Energy Incentive Program, which provides an additional per-watt rebate. Local financing options include loans from Minnesota-based credit unions, and you should also check with People's Energy Cooperative or Xcel Energy (depending on your utility) for any specific rebates or net metering terms.
In Plainview, you will need to obtain an electrical permit and likely a building permit from the City of Plainview's building department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Crucially, you must submit an interconnection application to your local utility (either People's Energy Cooperative or Xcel Energy) to connect your system to the grid under Minnesota's mandatory net metering rules, which they are required to offer.
Prioritize Minnesota-based installers with extensive experience in the local climate and utility interconnection processes. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from recent installations in Wabasha or Olmsted counties and review their track record with both People's Energy Cooperative and Xcel Energy to ensure smooth project completion.
South-facing roofs with little shading are ideal, but east or west-facing roofs are also very viable in Minnesota. A reputable local installer will assess your roof's structure, age, and shading from trees specific to your property. They will also account for Minnesota's snow and wind loads in the mounting system design. If your roof needs replacement soon, it's best to do that before installing solar panels for long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.