Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arden Hills, MN (2024 Update)
- Arden Hills Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
- 25-Year Savings: $21,441
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arden Hills
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Arden Hills.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Arden Hills is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,356 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arden Hills find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Arden Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,076 |
| 3 years | $-16,518 |
| 5 years | $-13,959 |
| 7 years | $-11,400 |
| 9 years | $-8,841 |
| 11 years | $-6,282 |
| 13 years | $-3,723 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,395 |
| 19 years | $3,954 |
| 21 years | $6,513 |
| 23 years | $9,071 |
| 25 years | $11,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Arden Hills
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Arden Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arden Hills
For many Arden Hills homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arden Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arden Hills, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Arden Hills homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arden Hills homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Arden Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $12,153 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,655 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,383 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,337 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,517 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,922 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,552 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,409 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Arden Hills, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arden Hills?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $991.87 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.