Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belle Plaine, MN (2023 Update)
- Belle Plaine Solar Installation Cost: $14,234
- 25-Year Savings: $19,472
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belle Plaine
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Belle Plaine.
The average cost of solar panels in Belle Plaine is 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,234 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Belle Plaine depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Belle Plaine find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized 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 | $-12,886 |
| 3 years | $-10,189 |
| 5 years | $-7,493 |
| 7 years | $-4,796 |
| 9 years | $-2,100 |
| 11 years | $597 |
| 13 years | $3,293 |
| 15 years | $5,990 |
| 17 years | $8,686 |
| 19 years | $11,382 |
| 21 years | $14,079 |
| 23 years | $16,775 |
| 25 years | $19,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Belle Plaine
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Belle Plaine:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Belle Plaine is $14,234, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Belle Plaine, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belle Plaine to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Belle Plaine, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Belle Plaine are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,844 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,443 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,201 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $33,119 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $39,195 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,430 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $51,825 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $58,378 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belle Plaine?
The average cost of solar panels in Belle Plaine is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Belle Plaine?
A solar panel system isn't free in Belle Plaine, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Belle Plaine is currently $234,600, which means you can expect a value of about $9,619 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Belle Plaine is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install 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.