Solar Panel Cost Guide in Apple Valley, MN (2023 Update)
- Apple Valley Solar Installation Cost: $14,294
- 25-Year Savings: $20,403
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Apple Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Apple Valley.
In Apple Valley, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Apple Valley is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,294 for a solar installation, or $20,440 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Apple Valley see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Apple Valley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Apple Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,906 |
| 3 years | $-10,130 |
| 5 years | $-7,354 |
| 7 years | $-4,579 |
| 9 years | $-1,803 |
| 11 years | $973 |
| 13 years | $3,749 |
| 15 years | $6,524 |
| 17 years | $9,300 |
| 19 years | $12,076 |
| 21 years | $14,852 |
| 23 years | $17,628 |
| 25 years | $20,403 |
Top Solar Installers in Apple Valley
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Apple Valley, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Apple Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Apple Valley
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Apple Valley, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Apple Valley, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Apple Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Apple Valley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Apple Valley, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $16,552 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,388 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $28,383 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $34,536 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $40,849 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $47,321 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $53,952 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $60,741 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Apple Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Apple Valley, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Apple Valley?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Apple Valley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Apple Valley. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.