One partner for every part of the project.
Managed in house, from the first site visit to energization.
Commercial solarRooftop, ground-mount and carport systems. 
AgrivoltaicsSolar that works with crops, grazing and pollinator habitat, including MT Solar AgriBeam high-clearance mounts. 
Battery energy storagePeak demand shaving, load shifting, backup power and solar integration. 
Solar carportsShade for parking and power for the building. 
Electrical constructionDesign-build electrical for new construction and renovation. 
Power distributionService entrances, switchgear, feeders and medium voltage. 
EV chargingLevel 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging, including ChargePoint and Tesla Supercharger sites. 
Standby generatorsGenerac standby power for critical loads, from sizing to startup. Generators and standby power
Utility coordination and interconnection
Preconstruction and procurement
Lifecycle service and expansion
Demand charge management
Data centers and mission-critical power
Built for high-load, always-on facilities
Data centers and other critical facilities need power that never stops. Our electrical teams build the systems they depend on, from the utility service to standby power and on-site energy.
Data center electrical- Medium-voltage service and switchgear
- Power distribution and feeders
- Standby generators and transfer switches
- Battery energy storage and on-site solar
- Prevailing wage and certified payroll
Who we build for
Businesses and industrialData centersFarms and agricultureMunicipalitiesTribal nationsSchools and churchesMultifamily housingCommunity solar
How we deliver
One team from design to service
01
Preconstruction
Budgets, constructability and long-lead equipment.
02
Interconnection
Applications, studies and utility coordination.
03
Construction
Our own licensed crews with a dedicated field safety manager.
04
Commissioning
Tested, documented and ready to operate.
05
Lifecycle service
Monitoring, maintenance and planned growth.
Planning a project
Commercial solar installation: cost, incentives and timeline
Wolf River Electric is a commercial solar company that designs, builds and services rooftop, ground-mount and carport systems for businesses, farms, schools, churches and public buildings across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. Here is what to expect before you start.
What commercial solar costs
Most commercial systems cost about $2.00 to $3.50 per watt before incentives. Larger systems and simple ground mounts land at the low end. Carports, complex roofs and electrical service upgrades push the price up.
| System size | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 25 to 100 kW | Shops, offices, churches, farm buildings |
| 100 to 500 kW | Warehouses, schools, manufacturing |
| 500 kW and up | Large ground mounts and campuses |
Incentives in 2026
- 30% federal tax credit: commercial solar placed in service by December 31, 2027 still qualifies. Projects that began construction by July 4, 2026 have longer. Bonus credits can apply for domestic content or energy communities.
- Battery storage: not tied to the 2027 solar deadline.
- Depreciation: solar is 5-year property under MACRS.
- Minnesota: solar equipment is exempt from sales tax, and solar is excluded from property tax.
- Utility and farm programs: rebates and grants vary by utility and state. We check what applies to your site.
How long it takes
Most commercial projects take 3 to 12 months from signed contract to turn-on. Construction itself usually takes days to a few weeks. Engineering, permits, equipment lead times and utility interconnection set the pace.
With the 2027 placed-in-service deadline, projects that want the 30% credit should start design and the utility application early.
Recent projects
Customer stories
Farm and ranch owners on going solar
Hear from two ranch owners who run horses, arenas and events on solar, then see a few of our larger commercial projects.
Project videos
Questions
Commercial solar questions
How much does commercial solar cost?
Most systems cost about $2.00 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, so a 100 kW system is often $200,000 to $350,000. Size, mounting, roof condition and electrical upgrades drive the final price. We give you a firm quote after a site visit.
Can my business still get the 30% solar tax credit?
Yes, if the system is placed in service by December 31, 2027. Projects that began construction by July 4, 2026 have more time. Battery storage is not tied to that deadline. Your tax advisor confirms how the credit applies to your business.
Is commercial solar worth it?
For most businesses with steady daytime use, yes. We show you three numbers before you decide: your yearly bill savings, your return on net cost after incentives, and your cost per kWh over the life of the system compared with your utility rate.
How long does commercial solar installation take?
Usually 3 to 12 months from contract to turn-on. Construction often takes days to a few weeks. Permits and utility interconnection take the most time, so we start them right away.
How many solar panels does a business need?
It depends on your usage and space. A business using 100,000 kWh a year in Minnesota typically needs about 75 to 90 kW, or roughly 150 to 230 panels depending on panel wattage. We size it from 12 months of bills.
Can you install solar on a flat commercial roof?
Yes. We use ballasted or low-penetration racking on flat roofs and check the structure with an engineer. If the roof is near the end of its life, we plan the roof work first.
What financing options are there?
Cash, loans, leases, power purchase agreements and, in many Minnesota counties, PACE financing. Ownership keeps the tax credit and depreciation with your business. We help you compare the options.
Do commercial solar panels work in a Minnesota winter?
Yes. Output drops on short, snowy days, but cold, clear weather helps panels run efficiently, and net metering credits from summer help balance the year.
Who does the work?
Our own licensed electricians and installers, with a dedicated field safety manager. Wolf River Electric is a NABCEP-certified company and is licensed in every state we serve.
Do you add battery storage and EV charging?
Yes. We install commercial battery storage for backup power and demand charge reduction, and Level 2 and DC fast chargers for employees, fleets and customers.
Talk to our commercial team
Send the basics and we will follow up with next steps, a site review and budget pricing.
MnSEIA Member of the Year 2026
Employee owned
OSHA-certified workforce
Licensed in every state we serve
Explore commercial
More on commercial solar and storage
Commercial services
- Why businesses choose us
- How a commercial solar project works
- Commercial solar energy solutions
- Commercial rooftop solar mounting
- Commercial energy storage
- Commercial battery backup installation
- Commercial EV charging
- Commercial solar financing
- Commercial solar projects
- Data center electrical construction
Industries
- Solar for farms and agriculture
- Solar for manufacturing and warehouses
- Solar for multifamily properties
- Solar for small businesses and retail
- Solar for schools and universities
- Solar for government buildings
Guides
- Commercial solar ROI guide
- Agricultural solar ROI guide
- Peak shaving and demand charges
- Commercial solar carports
- Commercial solar in Wisconsin and Minnesota
- Wisconsin solar incentives
- Solar panel cost in Minnesota (2026)
- Solar power installers in Minnesota
- Re-roofing with solar panels
- Orphaned solar system repair guide
- Solar installer closed? We can help