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

Average Cloquet homeowner saves $1,420/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 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

★★★★★
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 Cloquet

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Optimum Energy Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.optimumsolargroup.com/
Address: 230 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 8448497094
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Benson Electric Company

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Emergency Services

Website: https://bensonelectriccompany.com/
Address: 1102 N 3rd St, Superior, WI 54880
Phone: 7153945547
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Wescom, Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • 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

3.0/5

Wolf Track Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.wolftrackenergy.com/
Address: 818 6th Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone: 2183025601
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Nelson Collie Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://nelsoncollieelectric.com/
Address: 621 9th St N, Virginia, MN 55792
Phone: 2187418542

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

★★★★★
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 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.