Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooklyn Center, MN (2023 Update)

  • Brooklyn Center Solar Installation Cost: $14,314
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,472
  • Payback Period: 10.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Brooklyn Center

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brooklyn Center.

In Brooklyn Center, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,314 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Brooklyn Center depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Brooklyn Center

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,882
3 years $-10,019
5 years $-7,156
7 years $-4,294
9 years $-1,431
11 years $1,432
13 years $4,295
15 years $7,158
17 years $10,021
19 years $12,884
21 years $15,747
23 years $18,610
25 years $21,472

Top Solar Installers in Brooklyn Center

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're looking for a solar company in Brooklyn Center, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Brooklyn Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooklyn Center

For many Brooklyn Center homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brooklyn Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Brooklyn Center average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Brooklyn Center, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $17,409 10.4 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $23,530 10.2 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $29,810 10.0 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $36,249 9.8 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $42,847 9.6 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $49,604 9.4 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $56,520 9.2 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $63,596 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Brooklyn Center, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brooklyn Center?

The average cost of solar panels in Brooklyn Center 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brooklyn Center?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 significantly reduce my power 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.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 larger 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.

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