Solar Panel Cost Guide in Apple Valley, MN (2024 Update)
- Apple Valley Solar Installation Cost: $20,281
- 25-Year Savings: $20,405
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Apple Valley
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Apple Valley.
The average cost of solar panels in Apple Valley is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Apple Valley is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,281 for a solar installation, or $29,002 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Apple Valley depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Apple Valley see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Apple Valley for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Apple Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-16,442 |
| 5 years | $-13,883 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-8,766 |
| 11 years | $-6,207 |
| 13 years | $-3,648 |
| 15 years | $-1,089 |
| 17 years | $1,470 |
| 19 years | $4,029 |
| 21 years | $6,588 |
| 23 years | $9,147 |
| 25 years | $11,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Apple Valley
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Apple Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Apple Valley
While the average cost of a solar system in Apple Valley is $20,281, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Apple Valley to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.19 | $17,603 | $11,355 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,591 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $20,053 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $24,740 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $29,654 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $34,792 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $40,157 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $45,747 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Apple Valley, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Apple Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Apple Valley?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.