Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arden Hills, MN (2023 Update)
- Arden Hills Solar Installation Cost: $14,345
- 25-Year Savings: $21,441
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arden Hills
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Arden Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Arden Hills, the average cost of a solar system is 2.84 per watt. The average Arden Hills homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,353 with the federal tax credit, or $20,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Arden Hills based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Arden Hills can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arden Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,226 |
| 3 years | $-13,987 |
| 5 years | $-13,749 |
| 7 years | $-13,510 |
| 9 years | $-13,271 |
| 11 years | $-13,033 |
| 13 years | $-12,794 |
| 15 years | $-12,556 |
| 17 years | $-12,317 |
| 19 years | $-12,079 |
| 21 years | $-11,840 |
| 23 years | $-11,601 |
| 25 years | $-11,363 |
Top Solar Installers in Arden Hills
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Arden Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arden Hills
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,840. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arden Hills, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,351 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,453 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,713 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,133 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,712 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,450 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,347 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,403 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Arden Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Arden Hills, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arden Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Arden Hills is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Arden Hills have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Arden Hills?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.