The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Knobelsdorff as #1 Solar Installer in Minnesota.
With renewable energy expected to be the fastest growing source of U.S. electricity generation for at least the next five years, local solar installer Knobelsdorff is happy to be contributing to the country's energy mix. Knobelsdorff has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its installation efforts, achieving a rank of 24 out of 415 solar companies on the magazine's 2019 Top Solar Contractors list.
The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year.
"Solar Power World enjoys assembling the Top Solar Contractors list each year, and our 2019 edition features hundreds of companies making big impacts in local energy markets," said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. "Solar power is becoming competitive with traditional electricity sources in more markets, and cities and states are demanding more renewable energy options. It's a great time to be a solar installer, and we're happy to highlight the best installation companies in the country on our list."
The U.S. solar market is expected to see 14% growth in 2019, with over 12 GW of new solar power added to the grid this year — enough to power 2.28 million average American homes. This increase in installations is attributed to strong residential solar interest and a rush to get projects in before the 30% federal investment tax credit steps down to 26% next year.
Knobelsdorff has seen a dramatic increase in solar projects throughout the years. In 2009, the state of Minnesota had a total of 1.5 megawatts of solar energy. In 2018, Minnesota reached 400 megawatts of installed community solar gardens with another 300 megawatts in process. Project projections show Minnesota is soon to be at a gigawatt of solar power installed. Many states are not even at 100 megawatts.
The emerging energy storage market will also influence solar installations going forward. In markets that encourage grid service applications like time-of-use (TOU) shifting, self-consumption, and backup power, battery systems paired with solar arrays are attractive options for home and business owners looking to save costs. Solar Power World included the first Solar+Storage Installer sublist in the 2019 Top Solar Contractors edition in recognition of solar installers' early efforts at coupling the two technologies for customers.
Knobelsdorff is proud to have worked on many solar projects in the Midwest including the Dundas Community Solar Garden located in Dundas, MN, and the Frontenac Community Solar Garden project in Frontenac, MN.
"We are honored and humbled to be named among fellow solar contractors across the nation, and I owe this win to our employees," said CEO Karl von Knobelsdorff. "The experience and teamwork our employees bring to each project are what allows Knobelsdorff to shine and gain recognition. I'd also like to recognize our partners who trust the Knobelsdorff team to execute such large and complex projects."
Industrial electrical work is how Knobelsdorff became a household name. As the company has grown, it’s far from the only thing we do. They have expanded services and the industries we serve.