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 February 01, 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.


In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the best options in your area.To see how much you might pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Chisholm by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

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 Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • 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 Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • 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

We understand that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar rests on installation costs.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can make.
  • The model of solar panels you can afford: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
  • average energy usage: The more energy your household consumes on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from going solar.

So are solar panels worth it? Whether you’d like to lower your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Chisholm homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Chisholm

Because solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage its adoption.There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn some money in return after paying for solar panels. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chisholm

One reason so many are considering going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Chisholm, though. In a city like Chisholm where energy use is rather high, switching to solar energy is a good idea for those who care about the planet.Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Chisholm, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 80 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other rewards apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

EcoWatch's Chisholm, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Chisholm, Nelson Collie Electric is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.9 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

Usually, 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.