Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belle Plaine, MN (2024 Update)

  • Belle Plaine Solar Installation Cost: $20,196
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,474
  • Payback Period: 15.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belle Plaine

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Belle Plaine.

In Belle Plaine, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Belle Plaine, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,196, or $28,880 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Belle Plaine can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Belle Plaine for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Belle Plaine

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,916
3 years $-16,357
5 years $-13,799
7 years $-11,240
9 years $-8,681
11 years $-6,122
13 years $-3,563
15 years $-1,004
17 years $1,555
19 years $4,114
21 years $6,673
23 years $9,231
25 years $11,790

Top Solar Installers in Belle Plaine

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Belle Plaine, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Belle Plaine

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belle Plaine

The cost of installing a solar system in Belle Plaine can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 about $4,030. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Belle Plaine average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belle Plaine to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Belle Plaine 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Belle Plaine, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 $4.19 $17,603 $10,646 15.6 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $14,646 15.3 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $18,871 15.0 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $23,322 14.7 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $27,999 14.4 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $32,902 14.1 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $38,030 13.8 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $43,384 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 completed and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Belle Plaine, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belle Plaine?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher quality 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.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belle Plaine?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

Follow us