Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brainerd, MN (2025 Update)
- Brainerd Solar Installation Cost: $20,390
- 25-Year Savings: $16,453
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brainerd
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brainerd.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brainerd, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,390 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Brainerd homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brainerd for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brainerd
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,348 |
| 3 years | $-17,266 |
| 5 years | $-15,183 |
| 7 years | $-13,100 |
| 9 years | $-11,017 |
| 11 years | $-8,934 |
| 13 years | $-6,851 |
| 15 years | $-4,768 |
| 17 years | $-2,685 |
| 19 years | $-603 |
| 21 years | $1,480 |
| 23 years | $3,563 |
| 25 years | $5,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Brainerd
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Brainerd, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Brainerd
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brainerd
Although the average cost of a solar system in Brainerd is $20,390, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,030. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brainerd, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brainerd provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Brainerd homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Brainerd, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Brainerd have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $7,983 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $11,096 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $14,434 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $17,997 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $21,787 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $25,802 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $30,043 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $34,509 | 14.9 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Brainerd, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brainerd?
The average cost of solar panels in Brainerd is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Are solar panels free in Brainerd?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brainerd. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Brainerd?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.