Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bemidji, MN (2024 Update)
- Bemidji Solar Installation Cost: $21,069
- 25-Year Savings: $14,507
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bemidji
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bemidji.
In Bemidji, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Bemidji homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,069 with the federal tax credit, or $30,129 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Bemidji depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bemidji
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,939 |
| 3 years | $-17,678 |
| 5 years | $-15,417 |
| 7 years | $-13,157 |
| 9 years | $-10,896 |
| 11 years | $-8,635 |
| 13 years | $-6,375 |
| 15 years | $-4,114 |
| 17 years | $-1,853 |
| 19 years | $407 |
| 21 years | $2,668 |
| 23 years | $4,928 |
| 25 years | $7,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Bemidji
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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 $4,030.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Bemidji’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 want and also fits 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 | $5,979 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $8,423 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $11,093 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $13,989 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $17,110 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $20,457 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $24,030 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $27,828 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 Bemidji, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bemidji?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Bemidji have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.