Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bemidji, MN (2023 Update)
- Bemidji Solar Installation Cost: $14,848
- 25-Year Savings: $14,507
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bemidji
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bemidji.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bemidji, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,850 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bemidji
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,750 |
| 3 years | $-14,554 |
| 5 years | $-14,358 |
| 7 years | $-14,163 |
| 9 years | $-13,967 |
| 11 years | $-13,771 |
| 13 years | $-13,576 |
| 15 years | $-13,380 |
| 17 years | $-13,184 |
| 19 years | $-12,989 |
| 21 years | $-12,793 |
| 23 years | $-12,597 |
| 25 years | $-12,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Bemidji
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bemidji
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bemidji
The cost of installing a solar system in Bemidji can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bemidji to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in 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 installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bemidji, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $11,177 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $15,220 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $19,423 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $23,785 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $28,306 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $32,986 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $37,824 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $42,822 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Bemidji, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bemidji?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bemidji?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bemidji, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bemidji?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.