Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baxter, MN (2024 Update)
- Baxter Solar Installation Cost: $20,390
- 25-Year Savings: $16,453
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baxter
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Baxter.
The average cost of a solar system in Baxter is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Baxter is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,390 for a solar installation, or $29,158 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Baxter based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Baxter find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Baxter for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Baxter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,348 |
| 3 years | $-17,266 |
| 5 years | $-15,183 |
| 7 years | $-13,100 |
| 9 years | $-11,017 |
| 11 years | $-8,934 |
| 13 years | $-6,851 |
| 15 years | $-4,768 |
| 17 years | $-2,685 |
| 19 years | $-603 |
| 21 years | $1,480 |
| 23 years | $3,563 |
| 25 years | $5,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Baxter
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Baxter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baxter
For many Baxter homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Baxter, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Baxter, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Baxter average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Baxter to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Baxter 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 panel system can affect your pricing. Baxter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $7,983 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $11,096 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $14,434 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $17,997 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $21,787 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $25,802 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $30,043 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $34,509 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Baxter, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Baxter?
The average cost of solar panels in Baxter is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.