Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Racine, 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 handle the entire process in-house, from custom design and engineering to installation and maintenance, and are highly regarded for their expertise with both grid-tied and battery backup systems.
A well-established, employee-owned company serving multiple states, including Minnesota. They are known for professional service, strong manufacturer partnerships (like SunPower), and comprehensive support from consultation through post-installation monitoring and maintenance.
A rapidly growing, highly-rated solar installer that has expanded its service area into Minnesota. They are praised for customer service, transparent pricing, and their focus on educating homeowners. They offer robust warranties and various financing options.
The home solar market in Racine, Minnesota, is characteristic of the broader southeastern Minnesota region. It is a mature and competitive market, served primarily by established regional companies based in the Twin Cities or Rochester, rather than hyper-local contractors. The average quality of service is high, as these companies must maintain strong reputations across a wide geographic area. They are well-versed in Minnesota-specific incentives, including Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program and the value of Solar Tariff, as well as federal tax credits. Competition is robust, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 8 kW system could have a gross cost between $20,000 and $28,000. The presence of companies like Cedar Creek Energy and All Energy Solar, which have over a decade of experience, indicates a stable market with expertise in handling Minnesota's unique climate and navigating local utility interconnection processes.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Racine regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Racine, Minnesota.
While Minnesota has fewer peak sun hours than sunnier states, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and can still generate significant power in winter. Snow usually slides off angled panels, and the reflective quality of snow can even boost production on clear days. System sizing accounts for our climate, ensuring you generate enough annual power to offset your usage, with the majority of production occurring from spring through fall.
The average cost for a residential system in Minnesota ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and Minnesota's unique Solar*Rewards program provides a per-kilowatt-hour production incentive paid over 10 years. Additionally, solar installations in Racine are exempt from state sales tax and are not subject to a state property tax increase, enhancing long-term savings.
Installing solar in Racine requires compliance with local building and electrical codes, which your qualified installer will typically manage. You'll need a permit from the City of Racine, and your system must be inspected. For grid-tied systems, you must also submit an interconnection application to your utility (likely Rochester Public Utilities or People's Energy Cooperative) for approval to connect to the grid and enroll in net metering.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Southeastern Minnesota. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read reviews on local platforms. Ask for references from recent Racine or Olmsted County installations and ensure they provide detailed proposals that explain system design, equipment warranties, production estimates for our region, and a clear breakdown of all costs and incentives.
Yes, net metering is mandated for investor-owned utilities and cooperatives in Minnesota. Your utility will credit you for excess solar energy sent to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. This is particularly beneficial for our climate, as surplus energy generated during long summer days offsets electricity used during less productive winter months, with an annual "true-up" period to settle any remaining credit balance.