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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belle Plaine
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Belle Plaine.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belle Plaine it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Belle Plaine, the average price of going solar will be about $20,196 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Belle Plaine depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Belle Plaine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belle Plaine
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Belle Plaine.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Belle Plaine homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Belle Plaine, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Belle Plaine are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Belle Plaine, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belle Plaine?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belle Plaine?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 take a 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.