Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, MN (2023 Update)
- Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $14,271
- 25-Year Savings: $21,376
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centerville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Centerville.
In Centerville, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average Centerville homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,274 with the federal tax credit, or $20,412 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 needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centerville find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Centerville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,992 |
| 3 years | $-10,433 |
| 5 years | $-7,874 |
| 7 years | $-5,315 |
| 9 years | $-2,756 |
| 11 years | $-197 |
| 13 years | $2,361 |
| 15 years | $4,920 |
| 17 years | $7,479 |
| 19 years | $10,038 |
| 21 years | $12,597 |
| 23 years | $15,156 |
| 25 years | $17,715 |
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 use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Centerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Centerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,840. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Centerville have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Centerville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Centerville, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centerville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Centerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
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 let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 decide 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.