8 Best Solar Companies in Duluth, MN (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Duluth based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best solar companies in Duluth
If you're a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Duluth, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which company to choose. But, it's worth it since adopting solar power is often a great idea. Because of Duluth's decent level of sunshine on average, the solar industry has been growing steadily.
There are lots of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Duluth. If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best Duluth solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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
Local Service
Nelson Collie Electric
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Educational sales approach - More transparent pricing than competitors
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Maintenance and Repairs - Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Energy Plus Inc
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Legacy Solar, LLC
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Next Energy Solution
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
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
Local Service
Ecolibrium3 - Lincoln Park Solar Garden
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
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
The cost of installing a solar panel system has gone down immensely in the past several years, but it's still a substantial investment for most homeowners. There are several factors you should consider when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- Your energy consumption: If your household needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Duluth, you can save an average of $106 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
There are lots of good benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Duluth
If you're considering switching to solar power, several government incentives and subsidies can immensely lower the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce the cost of installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Duluth.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Duluth
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? Your energy usage is a significant factor to consider. The more power your household consumes, the greater your impact when you go solar. When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 80 pounds every year. The benefits of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many Duluth residents have been happy with committing to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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
Which solar installation company is the best in Duluth?
In Duluth, Nelson Collie Electric is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 11.9 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
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 cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof 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.