3 Best Solar Companies in Duluth, MN (Jun 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Duluth based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated 6/24/2022
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Best solar companies in Duluth
Looking for the best solar companies in Duluth? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Solar panels can be expensive, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills in the long term. In fact, you can potentially save about $16,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top options in your area. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Duluth solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
Price-match guarantee- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
-
Some reported issues with customer service - Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
4.0
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Duluth
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Regional Service
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Duluth
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to costs. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can produce.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Duluth uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 26% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Adopting green energy can significantly impact both the environment and your bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Duluth, MN.
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Solar Incentives in Duluth
Adopting solar power has many considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local benefits, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Duluth, check out the table below.
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Fix-Up Loan |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes |
| Incentive Max | None |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Minnesota Power - SolarSense Solar Rebate Program |
| Incentive Amount | $0.56/kWh estimated production in the first year |
| Incentive Max | The total combined rebate and incentives cannot exceed $10,000, or 60% of installed costs, whichever is less. |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| Incentive Max | None |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Duluth
A lot of people want to do what they can for the planet, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install a solar system. You may be trying to figure out — how much does making the switch do for the environment anyway? In a city like Duluth where energy use is rather high, going solar is a good plan for homeowners who are eco-conscious. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 80 pounds each year. As you can see, going solar has so many other benefits outside of saving money. One of the main ones is that you can help save the environment too.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
4.0
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Duluth, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Duluth?
In Duluth, SunPower is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.