Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brainerd, MN (2023 Update)
- Brainerd Solar Installation Cost: $14,369
- 25-Year Savings: $16,453
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brainerd
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Brainerd.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brainerd typically cost around 2.84. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Brainerd, the average price of going solar will be about $14,373 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brainerd find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brainerd
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,328 |
| 3 years | $-11,245 |
| 5 years | $-9,162 |
| 7 years | $-7,079 |
| 9 years | $-4,996 |
| 11 years | $-2,913 |
| 13 years | $-830 |
| 15 years | $1,252 |
| 17 years | $3,335 |
| 19 years | $5,418 |
| 21 years | $7,501 |
| 23 years | $9,584 |
| 25 years | $11,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Brainerd
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Brainerd, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brainerd
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brainerd
The cost of installing a solar system in Brainerd can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,840. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brainerd average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Brainerd homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Brainerd's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brainerd are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $13,181 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $17,893 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $22,764 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $27,793 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $32,982 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $38,330 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $43,837 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $49,503 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Brainerd, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brainerd?
The average cost of solar panels in Brainerd is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places 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 Brainerd have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
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 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.