Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradford, MN (2023 Update)
- Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $14,256
- 25-Year Savings: $23,718
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradford
We break down average solar pricing in Bradford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bradford it's 2.84 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bradford, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,254, or $20,383 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bradford for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,129 |
| 3 years | $-13,876 |
| 5 years | $-13,623 |
| 7 years | $-13,370 |
| 9 years | $-13,116 |
| 11 years | $-12,863 |
| 13 years | $-12,610 |
| 15 years | $-12,357 |
| 17 years | $-12,104 |
| 19 years | $-11,851 |
| 21 years | $-11,598 |
| 23 years | $-11,344 |
| 25 years | $-11,091 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradford
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bradford is $14,254, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 will be looking at 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 Bradford homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bradford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $19,368 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $26,142 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $33,075 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $40,167 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $47,418 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $54,828 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $62,398 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $70,126 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary 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 timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Bradford, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bradford 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 stuff 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 Bradford?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bradford, 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 the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Bradford?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.