Solar Connection Inc. Review 2023 - A Local Choice?

Solar Connection Overview

Solar Connection is a small solar panel installation company based in Rochester, Minnesota. The company was founded in 2010 and has seen good growth, now with a team comprising at least 20 employees.

The firm has a focus on serving its local community first, installing systems throughout Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. They serve residential businesses and farms with a focus on quality and the “local touch.”

Solar Connection Services and Specifics

Specific Solar Panels Offered

SolarEdge Solar Panels

SolarEdge solar panels are equipped with the company’s own Power Optimizers that are specifically designed for maximum energy production, easy installation, and easier servicing over the lifetime of the system. The company combines its industry leading DC optimization technology with enhanced module performance to ensure that users receive maximum module output.

Jinko Solar Panels

Jinko Solar is a global leader in the solar industry, renowned for its quality products that are distributed worldwide. JinkoSolar maintains one of the highest industrial standards for the design, performance, and workmanship of its solar products to secure a reliable energy supply of the PV system for well over 25 years.

Specific Types of Solar Offered

Residential Solar: Solar Connection provides residential property owners with a seamless transition to going solar and have completed projects on homes of all types.

Commercial and Farms: Solar energy is a cost-effective way to reduce energy cost, achieve sustainability goals and attract new customers.. Solar Connection assists businesses and farms to reach these goals effortlessly. 

Additional Services:

• Solar + Batteries: Solar Connection will install grid-tied and off-the-grid systems. They specialize in installing solar-powered battery systems. They are partnered with Fronius USA, a leading manufacturer of PV power systems.
• Solar + Car Charger: For anyone interested in running an electric car Solar Connection also install car chargers that link to your solar panels.
• General Electrical Services: On top of their solar business Solar Connection also work as master electricians, including new construction, general maintenance, and repairs.

Installation Costs and Processes

Costs

The average cost of solar panels in Minnesota is between $3.00 and $4.25 per watt. This means that a solar system that is 5 kilowatts in size would generally cost between $13,000 – $19,000 to install. Solar Connection does not quote any prices on its site. As is usual for the solar industry, potential clients must go through a free consultancy to get a quote.

By going through the company’s many positive reviews, there are two big takeaways in regard to price. Customers who mentioned price described the company as either fair or competitively priced.

Solar Connection is not vastly cheaper or more expensive than its local competition. Customers did say they were trustworthy, stating that Solar Connection never tried to oversell them on equipment they did not. The vast majority of customers paid the quoted price. The only customer who did not pay the quoted price changed his installation requirements halfway through the installation.

Customers also stated a high level of cost vs quality return, with most reviews stating they are more than happy with their returns. Solar Connection does not list financing as a service provided on their website, but several customers mention that financing options were laid out during consultation and they never felt pressured.

All in all, Solar Connection appears to be a great option when it comes to price. They may not be the cheapest installer in the area, but their focus on customer service appears to more than make up for it. 

Legitimacy

Solar Connection is a legitimate company.

Awards and accreditation:

• Membership – Clean Energy Resource Team, Legacy Co-op, Renew Wisconsin
• REC Certified Solar Professional 

Maintenance

Solar Connection’s system provides a 25-year warranty on the solar parts in their systems. The company also provides a 2-year primary in-house workmanship warranty and customers can choose to opt for an additional 5-year cover.

Solar Connections claims to focus on customer service, and community spirit is reflected in its stance on maintenance. Customer reviews point to a very high level of post-installation care.

Customers describe working with the company as an ongoing relationship where the company will routinely check in to check everything is ok. Others have pointed out that the company has a good relationship with local utility providers, as any problems are quickly cleared up.

The vast majority of customers were happy with how easy to contact the company is. Solar Connection representatives only ever seem to be one quick phone call away, with customers labeling them as responsive.

The SolarEmpower View

Overall Solar Connection seems to be a great option if you live within their service areas of Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Many companies claim to focus on customer service with a focus on their communities, but Solar Connection’s reviews back this up. Repeated reviews mentioned the company was superior and more trustworthy than out-of-state installers they had previously dealt with.

They may not be the cheapest option, but their trustworthiness and high level of service make Solar Connection a superb choice if you’re looking to install solar or need some maintenance work done on an existing system in Minnesota.