3 Best Solar Companies in Chisholm, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Chisholm based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Chisholm, MN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Chisholm homeowner saves $1,623/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Chisholm

Hoping to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be best for you? Although it can be challenging to decide on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many good perks. While solar is a great investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $19,000 over 20 years.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly depending on your home’s layout and your overall energy needs.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Chisholm solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

Advertisement

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chisholm

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Nelson Collie Electric

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://nelsoncollieelectric.com/
Address: 621 9th St N, Virginia, MN 55792
Phone: 2187418542
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Wescom, Inc

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://wescominc.com/
Address: 5137 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, MN 55803
Phone: 2187241322
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Optimum Energy Group

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.optimumsolargroup.com/
Address: 230 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 8448497094

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chisholm

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chisholm based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chisholm


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Minnesota solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chisholm

For many people, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on prices.A few main factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • Your city: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • How much power your home consumes: Households that use a lot of power each month may need more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the environment.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chisholm, MN.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings{{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost{{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives{{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period{{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. GET ESTIMATE

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Chisholm

Because solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Chisholm.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chisholm

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar power is to minimize your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.You may be wondering – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? In a city like Chisholm where energy use is rather high, switching to solar energy is a good plan for households who want to do their part for the environment.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 80 pounds each year. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

Advertisement

EcoWatch's Chisholm, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best in Chisholm?

The best local solar company in Chisholm is Nelson Collie Electric, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely erase your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and bring down your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.9 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How efficient are solar panels?

Most of the time, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.