Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bloomington, MN (2025 Update)

  • Bloomington Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,469
  • Payback Period: 14.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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 Bloomington

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bloomington.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bloomington, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bloomington, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,316, or $29,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bloomington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Bloomington homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Bloomington for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Bloomington

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,037
3 years$-16,478
5 years$-13,919
7 years$-11,360
9 years$-8,801
11 years$-6,242
13 years$-3,684
15 years$-1,125
17 years$1,434
19 years$3,993
21 years$6,552
23 years$9,111
25 years$11,670

Top Solar Installers in Bloomington

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bloomington:

Advertisement

See all of the solar companies in Bloomington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bloomington

There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in Bloomington.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bloomington, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Bloomington have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bloomington, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$12,21114.8 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$16,73314.5 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$21,48014.2 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$26,45313.9 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$31,65213.6 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$37,07613.3 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$42,72613.1 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$48,60212.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
Advertisement

EcoWatch's Bloomington, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bloomington?

The average cost of solar panels in Bloomington is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bloomington?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $993.80 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.