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3 Best Solar Companies in Hibbing, MN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar Installers in Hibbing. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Hibbing

Nelson Collie Electric

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621 9th St N, Virginia, MN 55792 (218) 741-8542 nelsoncollieelectric.com

Reliable customer support

Family-operated business

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Solar panel upgrades
Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance

Wescom, Inc

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5137 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, MN 55803 (218) 724-1322 wescominc.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Consultation

Optimum Energy Group

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230 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 (844) 849-7094 optimumsolargroup.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. To install a new photovoltaic system in Minnesota, a contractor must have an electrical contractor or electrician license from the Department of Labor and Industry, along with a residential building or remodeling contractors' license in some cases. If their work is regulated by the state's Mechanical Code, they must carry a $25,000 minimum bond with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Read Customer Reviews

Check Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's reliability and customer service. Stay away from providers with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time with a loan or lease. Check key financing details like payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: More rebates might be available from utility companies looking to encourage homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Hibbing

In Hibbing, solar panels cost an average of $4,030 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.6 kilowatts. The typical Hibbing homeowner spends $21,487 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's panel type, required preliminary work, size, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Hibbing Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% of sales tax

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: bpu.org

Incentive Amount:

Dishwasher: $35
Clothes Washer: $35
Electric Clothes Dryer: $35
Refrigerator: $35
Freezer: $35
Dehumidifier: $20
Room/Window A/C: $35
High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $35
Central A/C Tune-Up: $35
Central A/C: $200-$350
Mini Split/Ductless A/C: $250
ECM Replacement Motor: $100
Furnaces: $200-$375
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Air Source Heat Pump: $250
Geothermal Heat Pump: $100/ton

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: connexusenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

$7,500
OR
$20,000

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energywisemn.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies by measure and member cooperative offering.

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: mncee.org

Incentive Amount:

$20,000

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: mnhousing.gov

Incentive Amount:

$15,000. Applicants may be eligible for higher loan and term amounts depending on income

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: mn.gov

Incentive Amount:

1.5¢/kWh
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: mnpower.com

Incentive Amount:

$0.56/kWh estimated production in the first year

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: mnpower.com

Incentive Amount:

Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Refrigerator: $30
Freezer: $30
Dehumidifier: $25
Central AC: $50
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$1200
Electronically Commutated Motors: Varies, see program website
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200-$400 per ton plus $200 for ECM motor
Smart Thermostat: $75
Lighting: $3-$15
Ceiling Fan: $10
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400
Drain Water Heat Recovery: $400

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: mnpower.com

Incentive Amount:

Comprehensive Measures: $2,000
Central A/C: $50
Drain Water Heat Recovery unit: $400
Air Source Heat Pumps: $50 - $1,000
Drain Water Heat Recovery Unit: $400
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200-$300
Electronically Commutated Motors: $200-$600 (higher incentive levels are in combination with central AC or Air Source Heat Pumps)

ENERGY STAR Appliances:
Refrigerator: $30
Freezer: $30
Dehumidifier: $10
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Heat Pump Water Heater: $50
LED Bulbs: $3-$5
LED Fixtures: $10 - $15

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: lakecountrypower.coop

Incentive Amount:

Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 per ton
Ductless Air-source Heat Pump: $450- $750
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
EC Motors: $25/motor
Replacement Refrigerator/Freezer with Recycling: $25
Refrigerator or Freezer (Recycling only): $25
Dehumidifier: $25
Clothes Dryer: $25
WiFi Thermostat: $25
LED Bulbs: $1/bulb
LED Yard Lights: $25/fixture

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Hibbing, MN

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.

Absolutely. Hibbing uses an even mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Hibbing, the average amount someone can save is $1,368 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.

Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the average sunlight in your area, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Hibbing gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 15.7 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.

The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.

The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Hibbing. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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