Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carver, MN (2023 Update)
- Carver Solar Installation Cost: $14,165
- 25-Year Savings: $18,757
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carver
We break down average solar pricing in Carver.
The average cost of a solar system in Carver is 2.84 per watt. The average Carver homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,174 with the federal tax credit, or $20,269 before the 30% 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 consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carver find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Carver for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carver
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,055 |
| 3 years | $-13,836 |
| 5 years | $-13,616 |
| 7 years | $-13,397 |
| 9 years | $-13,177 |
| 11 years | $-12,958 |
| 13 years | $-12,738 |
| 15 years | $-12,519 |
| 17 years | $-12,299 |
| 19 years | $-12,080 |
| 21 years | $-11,860 |
| 23 years | $-11,641 |
| 25 years | $-11,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Carver
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Carver
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carver
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Carver is $14,174, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Carver, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 choose 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carver average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Carver homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carver homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carver is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,318 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $20,742 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,325 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,067 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $37,968 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $44,028 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $50,248 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $56,626 | 9.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past 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 Carver, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carver?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carver?
You can't get solar panels for free in Carver. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Carver, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Carver?
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 their energy production 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.
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.