Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burnsville, MN (2023 Update)
- Burnsville Solar Installation Cost: $14,294
- 25-Year Savings: $20,948
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burnsville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Burnsville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burnsville generally cost about 2.84. The average Burnsville homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,294 with the federal tax credit, or $20,440 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Burnsville homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burnsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,884 |
| 3 years | $-10,065 |
| 5 years | $-7,245 |
| 7 years | $-4,426 |
| 9 years | $-1,607 |
| 11 years | $1,213 |
| 13 years | $4,032 |
| 15 years | $6,851 |
| 17 years | $9,670 |
| 19 years | $12,490 |
| 21 years | $15,309 |
| 23 years | $18,128 |
| 25 years | $20,948 |
Top Solar Installers in Burnsville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Burnsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burnsville
For many Burnsville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Burnsville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Burnsville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Burnsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Burnsville, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Burnsville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Burnsville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,007 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,994 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,140 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $35,445 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $41,909 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $48,533 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $55,315 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $62,256 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Burnsville, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burnsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Burnsville 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burnsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Burnsville have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.