Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, MN (2023 Update)

  • Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $14,274
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,373
  • 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 March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Centerville

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Centerville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Centerville it's 2.84 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Centerville, the average price of going solar will be about $14,274 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Centerville depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Centerville homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Centerville for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Centerville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,848
3 years $-9,996
5 years $-7,144
7 years $-4,293
9 years $-1,441
11 years $1,411
13 years $4,262
15 years $7,114
17 years $9,966
19 years $12,818
21 years $15,669
23 years $18,521
25 years $21,373

Top Solar Installers in Centerville

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

See all of the solar companies in Centerville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Centerville: 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Centerville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Centerville, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Centerville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $2.95 $12,405 $17,388 10.4 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $23,503 10.2 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $29,776 10.0 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $36,208 9.8 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $42,799 9.6 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $49,550 9.4 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $56,459 9.2 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $63,528 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Centerville, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centerville?

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

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Centerville have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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