Our Team

There’s a reason we’re the most trusted solar contractor in Minnesota – our people! TruNorth Solar has over 133 years of combined solar experience! TruNorth Solar was started by Marty Morud in 2009 and built on a strong foundation of substance, character, and integrity. We are rooted in technical competencies including electrical engineering, communications, and solar construction. We have a wonderful track record of high quality installations, personable customer service, and we handle all of the paperwork for assessments, incentives, interconnections, permitting, inspections, and commissioning. Our projects are designed to save you money while also protecting the environment for future generations. We are here to make your project a success while making a meaningful difference in our future.

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Martin Morud

OWNER/CEO
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James Drummond

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Donna Pickard

PERMISSIONS MANAGER
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Ben Ferkinhoff

DESIGN, INTERCONNECTION, PERMITTING MANAGER
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Lisa Nielsen

OFFICE MANAGER
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Jason Kaasovic

ENERGY CONSULTANT
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Alex Poster

WAREHOUSE/PROCUREMENT MANAGER
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Nick Byram

MASTER ELECTRICIAN/CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT
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Ryan Hammer

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
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Steve Borden

ENERGY CONSULTANT
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Eric “Rudy” Morud

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
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Joseph Beck

SOLAR DESIGNER
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Jeff Williams

ENERGY CONSULTANT
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Diego Romero

APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
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Anthony “Tony” LaRose

SOLAR INSTALLER
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TJ Glaser

ENERGY CONSULTANT
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Noah Tackmann

LEAD SOLAR INSTALLER
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Zeph O’Rourke

SERVICE COORDINATOR
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Owen Hamer

LEAD SOLAR INSTALLER
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Jack Despres

APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
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Ben Angell

APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
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Meng Vang

SOLAR INSTALLER

Our Story

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My name is Marty Morud and I own TruNorth Solar, a passionate solar energy design and installation company. TruNorth Solar has a strong track record of high-quality installations and we are passionate about the opportunity to make a difference for generations to come.

The origin of TruNorth Solar dates back to a moment of thought and reflection while standing in the east pasture at the Morud family farm in Bemidji, MN.

In 2009, Marty, Steve, and Dave were approached with a simple question: Could they build a solar array for Martin’s father? Marty and Steve were college roommates at St. John’s University in MN, and were both working in high tech jobs. Dave was an account supervisor for a business products company. They never imagined this simple question would take them down the path to own and operate a sustainable solar business, built with a true passion for environmental stewardship.

Dave provided the business acumen to structure the company. Marty and Steve had strong technical backgrounds but found themselves heading back to school to learn about the fast-paced and growing world of solar energy. After numerous workshops, classes, and certifications, the Bemidji farm installation became the first project in TruNorth Solar’s portfolio. This project opened the door to friends and family asking about the advantages of solar, and how to get a system of their own. The more Marty and Steve talked about solar, the deeper their passion grew. 

For two years, Marty, Dave, and Steve ran TruNorth Solar as weekend warriors, sharing their passion and expertise, and installing systems to bring affordable, clean solar energy to Minnesota. In 2012, Dave became a father and wanted to spend more time as a parent, so Marty and Steve bought out his share. In December 2013, Marty purchased Steve’s interest and became the sole owner.

TruNorth Solar has installed over 1,000 solar arrays throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin, as well as developed 26MW of community solar projects, and 100+ commercial arrays. We also started a ‘Life of System’ Service Department to ensure no initial investment in solar energy, whether we installed it or not, will go to waste. With thirty mission-driven employees, TruNorth Solar is incredibly proud that our systems are saving our clients millions in electrical costs while protecting our environment for future generations. At the end of the day, TruNorth Solar relentlessly strives for environmental stewardship and makes each solar installation a pleasant experience for all. As we say: “Money isn’t all that you’re saving.”

Mission and Values

Mission

To find, approach, and relate to energy development opportunities that fulfill our future energy needs. Through relentless execution and personable customer service, we make protecting our environment for future generations affordable, meaningful, and fun.

Vision

Our vision is to make a meaningful difference in our future energy recipe. We do this by providing ‘Life of System’ service with a ‘Great Customer Experience,’ all while maintaining a family and career oriented, fulfilling, and supportive ‘Live your Life’ workplace for our staff.

Values

Core Behaviors

The TruNorth Process

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Learn More

Solar Incentives

Solar Rebates and Incentives for Homeowners in Minnesota

Solar Panels

How Solar Panels Work in Minnesota Year Round

Home Storage

How Solar-Powered Home Batteries Work in Your Home

Solar Service

Importance of Servicing Your Solar System to Maintain your Investment

Solar Inverters

What Does a Residential Solar Inverter Do?

Reviews and Testimonials

Read our outstanding reviews on our website to see why our clients love us!

Reviews and Testimonials

TruNorth Solar
4.9
Based on 46 reviews
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Erik HauglandErik Haugland
00:56 11 May 24
This was originally a pretty negative review because we had fallen through the cracks and a problem with our system was not getting addressed and we were not getting responses from the company for quite a while. But, once the owner, Marty, realized what was going on, I could not have asked for a better response. He reached out to me immediately and was very apologetic and not defensive about it at all. He and the rest of his team worked hard to fix the problem and got on it quickly at that point. They were very generous with the terms of the repair in light of how long it had been going on unaddressed. The original experience was frustrating but they have worked to make sure it won't happen again for someone else. I've never before had a company that screwed something up respond as well as they did and work so hard to quickly make things right. So, they are back to having a five star rating from me - and, I don't change my mind about things like this easily.
Kyle P.Kyle P.
20:09 26 Apr 24
TruNorth Solar installed a 12k solar system for us. The entire team, including James, Donna, Don, Ben, Steve, Tony, were all fantastic. They made the entire process relatively easy, and they adapted to what we were seeking. They were also quick to respond to requests. I would certainly use them again for any solar needs.
Tom BrowneTom Browne
16:28 31 Jan 24
It took a couple of years to finally get the installation because the city of Saint Paul has ridiculous ordinances (imho) and I needed a structural assessment.
John BloomquistJohn Bloomquist
14:55 26 Dec 23
TruNorth Solar was a straightforward, professional, and easy to work with. I also had them perform additional electrical changes that they did at the same time as the solar installation for a seamless look. They communicated with me continuously throughout the project, and I got daily updates when the physical work was being performed. I am pleased with their workmanship - it looks great! I highly recommend TruNorth Solar to anyone looking to make the transition to solar.
Ted GreenbaumTed Greenbaum
21:06 22 Dec 23
We had our solar system installed this past September and couldn’t be more pleased with the whole TruNorth process. From the start of our investigation into solarizing, TruNorth was extremely helpful in navigating the entire process, from what to expect regarding system output, federal, state and utility credits, where to get the best financing and what to know about the installation process. Since the installation, our electric meter has continued to go backwards. We are totally satisfied!
Gregory ParkGregory Park
16:28 29 Nov 23
TruNorth Solar did an excellent job handling my project from start to finish. Even when there were unexpected issues that presented, TruNorth leadership were available to ensure the problems were solved and questions answered. I think some of the most difficult things to work through are fully understanding the system that you want, being comfortable with the time it takes to finish a project (there are a lot of variables that can impact timing), and absorbing information to a level that you feel confident in your decision. TruNorth were very good educators and their different teams involved in the install were led by competent, congenial individuals.
Mark SchoolmanMark Schoolman
18:07 23 Nov 23
TruNorth Solar did a great job with our solar project. It was very complex with getting a conditional use permit from our township and getting us signed up with Xcel Energies solar rewards program. We installed a ground mount system and it works great. The materials and workmanship was top notch. I would not hesitate in recommending them. Everything they said they would do was done and done well.
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“TruNorth was great to work with throughout the process of selecting and installing our solar system. TruNorth’s sales personnel were informative, but never pushy. We were provided with options that made our selection process easier. I was particularly impressed throughout the installation process. As a construction lawyer, I know that one of the things that sets good contractors apart is good communication with homeowners. We really appreciated that TruNorth worked around our schedule and kept us informed as the project progressed. We received a phone call and email communication each day to let us know how the work was progressing, and what to expect for the next day or week. At the end, they made sure we understood how the system worked and how to monitor it. It has been a great experience working with TruNorth.”
Robert Shainess
Minnetonka
“The TruNorth team communicated well throughout the project and a focus on that was evident in their processes. The proposal estimates have been accurate and I’ve calculated a 15% return on the investment since installation. Thanks!”
Jay Sachetti
Minnetonka
“When we evaluated whether solar was right for us, TruNorth Solar laid out the facts honestly and with no reservation in every conversation we had. From the initial design to the eventual build, each employee showed their excitement for solar and genuine wish to see that we were happy with the end product. We are extremely pleased with our array, so much so that we may add another.”
Ryan McAnnany
Inver Grove Heights
“My wife and I were both very impressed with the level of service we received from TruNorth. When we originally decide to have solar installed we got quotes from TruNorth and two of their competitors. We ended up selecting one of the other installers which turned out to be a huge mistake. The project basically didn’t go anywhere for 7 months and the level of communication was terrible. In a last ditch effort to save the project I called Marty to see if he would be interested in taking on the job. He jumped right on it and I felt like more happened in the first week than in the entire time we were with the other company. From then on I received weekly calls from our Project Manager Charlie and they hit every timeline they had originally quoted. We couldn’t be happier with how the project turned out. There is no doubt in my mind that TruNorth will be a major player in the solar installation business for years to come after seeing how they operate compared to their competitors.”
Ryan and Shelly Bormann
Maple Grove, MN
“We would absolutely recommend TruNorth. We enjoyed working with each person we met from TruNorth and we love our system. We love how committed to green energy and solar technology the whole TruNorth company really is. We have enjoyed further conversation and dialogue with them about how our system is working, how other systems work. They monitor our system and have come back twice to make small adjustments to help it operate even better. They are a professional and committed group and we are delighted to have worked with them.”
Fred Rogers
Northfield, MN
“Working with TruNorth Solar has been a pleasure! I met Marty approximately two years ago while shopping around for some ideas on Geothermal heating and cooling and or solar and wind production of electricity. Marty was very generous with his time in answering questions and helping me understand the various realities of each system. He listened to my thoughts and issues and gave me guidance with patience as I worked through my options. We reworked the plan several times until a ground mount solar array design was just right for my property. Once, that was accomplished, Marty moved through the steps to final installation keeping me informed of every aspect as it moved through the process. During installation his staff was on task, friendly and very considerate of our property. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with them to complete this environmental friendly goal.”
Dr. Dennis J. Grabowski
Lake Elmo, MN
“Our solar panels were installed in late August. The crew was conscientious about ensuring good-looking installation. We were pleasantly surprised when the bill for September’s gas and electricity arrived – 13 cents! With the 30% federal tax credit and Made in Minnesota payments during the first 10 years, investing in solar makes great financial sense. We look forward to low utilities bills in our retirement AND we feel great about reducing our carbon footprint.”
Janna King
Roseville, MN
“I was impressed with the overall project; from planning to installation. You were very thorough in your research and proposal. The installation went exactly as planned. It was a pleasure doing business with a true professional!”
Kim Beauclair (Beauclair Construction & Cabinetry)
Inver Grove Heights, MN
“It was a pleasure working with you and your Team at TruNorthSolar. From start to finish the communication that I received from you and the installation crews was nothing short of exceptional. As you know I did extensive research on not only the panel system but the structure and hardware that the panels will be fastened too for the next several decades. I was very impressed with the amount of non-corrosive material that was used in the structure that holds the panels. The use of Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Galvanized Hardware means that for many years (decades) there will be little to no hardware maintenance with this system. The quality and integrity of how the installation process proceeded made this project one of the easiest projects I have ever been involved with. Kudos to you and your crew!!”
Loren O’Brien (B&F Fastener Supply)
Ramsey, MN
“We have known Marty and James from TruNorth since 2012. They installed our solar roof (pun intended) and have maintained it ever since. When 1 of 38 inverters failed a few years ago, it was magically replaced after a quick call to TruNorth and we weren’t even at home for that. Marty and the team are experienced, competent, responsive and driven.”
Alex Matusevich & Jason Bright
Minneapolis MN
“My husband and I have just had the privilege of working with Marty Morud who installed 36 solar panels on our 1916 year old house in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. I cannot rave enough about Marty’s work. He presented us with thoughtful options, helped us to select the best for our situation, kept to a schedule and delivered services in a timely manner. He was always respectful, tidy — and a patient teacher for me, learning this new “green” vocabulary. I am happy to talk further about Marty and would be delighted to showcase his work on our roof.Please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Margaret Shulman
Minneapolis MN