Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brainerd, MN (2024 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.
The average cost of solar panels in Brainerd is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Brainerd, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,390, or $29,158 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Brainerd homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Brainerd, you can click the button below.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Brainerd, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brainerd
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brainerd
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Brainerd: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better 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 a better option. 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 a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Brainerd’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brainerd know more 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Brainerd, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brainerd?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brainerd?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brainerd. However, you may still be able to afford 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Brainerd?
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 amount 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.