5 Best Solar Companies in Cloquet, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Cloquet based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Cloquet, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cloquet homeowner saves $1,420/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
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Best Solar Companies in Cloquet
If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Cloquet, combing through hundreds of options can be demanding, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many good perks. For most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar panels depends on whether or not they can save. The great news is solar can help most homeowners save a decent amount on their large and increasing energy bills.
There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Cloquet.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Cloquet 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cloquet
Optimum Energy Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Benson Electric Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Full-Service
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Emergency Services
Wescom, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Wolf Track Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Nelson Collie Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- Emergency Services
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cloquet
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cloquet 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 Cloquet
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 Cloquet
The cost of installing a solar panel system has dropped significantly in the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Cloquet, you can save an average of $1,041 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $17,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Cloquet uses a decent amount of, and so may save on their energy bills.
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can afford.
Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Cloquet
There are a lot of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can save you money.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other state and city incentives. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cloquet
Many want to do what they can to help save the environment, which in many cases is the chief reason they’re interested in installing solar panels.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the planet by using solar power? Everyone can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume more energy will have a greater impact.Though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Cloquet, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
EcoWatch's Cloquet, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Cloquet is Optimum Energy Group, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost 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 15.9 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
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, like 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 desired energy output.
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.