Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Saint Francis, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Allure Energy is a highly-rated, local Minnesota company specializing in comprehensive residential solar and storage solutions. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house installation teams, and expertise in navigating Minnesota-specific incentives like the Made in Minnesota program. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A well-established and reputable contractor in the region, Cedar Creek Energy has been serving Minnesota for over 15 years. They are a full-service provider with a strong focus on both grid-tied and off-grid systems. Their longevity speaks to their reliability and quality of workmanship, and they offer robust warranty options.
While a newer player compared to others, Wolf River Electric has rapidly built an exceptional reputation for high-quality residential solar installations and outstanding customer service. They are a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, making them a top choice for homeowners specifically interested in Tesla battery storage systems. They serve the entire Twin Cities metro, including Saint Francis.
** The home solar market in Saint Francis, Minnesota, is representative of the broader Twin Cities metro area: competitive and served by high-quality, regional specialists rather than national corporations. The market quality is high, with several providers holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Homeowners in Saint Francis have access to favorable state-level incentives, particularly the **Made in Minnesota (MiM)** Solar Incentive Program, which provides production-based incentives for systems using Minnesota-made components. Providers in this area are generally well-versed in these programs. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before federal and state incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $20,000 - $28,000. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and MiM incentives, the net investment can be significantly reduced, often by 50% or more over the life of the incentives. Financing options are plentiful, including solar loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), all of which are offered by the top local installers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Saint Francis regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Saint Francis, Minnesota.
Solar panels are less productive in winter due to shorter days and snow cover, but they still generate power in cold, sunny weather, which is actually more efficient for the panels. It's important to consider your roof's pitch; a steeper angle helps snow slide off more easily. Annually, Saint Francis receives ample sunlight to make solar viable, with summer production typically offsetting lower winter output, especially when paired with net metering from your utility.
The gross cost for a typical home system in the Saint Francis area ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Minnesota's own incentive, the Solar*Rewards program from Xcel Energy, which provides an upfront rebate per watt installed. Additionally, Minnesota's property tax exemption means your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation, protecting your investment.
In Saint Francis, if you are an Xcel Energy customer, you are eligible for net metering. This policy credits you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. Your "true-up" period is annual, which is ideal for Minnesota's climate as it allows high summer production credits to offset higher winter electricity consumption, maximizing your system's annual financial benefit.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months in Minnesota. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Anoka County and the City of Saint Francis, Xcel Energy's interconnection application review, the physical installation (which takes 1-3 days), and finally the utility's inspection and approval to "go live." Scheduling can be affected by seasonal demand, with installers often busiest in spring and summer.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience, as they will be familiar with Anoka County permit requirements, Xcel Energy's specific interconnection process, and optimal designs for our climate. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and are licensed Minnesota electrical contractors. Always ask for references from recent local installations and review their warranty coverage for both equipment and workmanship.