Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chaska, MN (2023 Update)
- Chaska Solar Installation Cost: $14,174
- 25-Year Savings: $18,766
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chaska
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Chaska.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chaska generally cost about 2.84. The average solar panel system size in Chaska is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,174 for a solar installation, or $20,269 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Chaska depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chaska find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chaska
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,857 |
| 3 years | $-10,222 |
| 5 years | $-7,586 |
| 7 years | $-4,951 |
| 9 years | $-2,316 |
| 11 years | $319 |
| 13 years | $2,954 |
| 15 years | $5,590 |
| 17 years | $8,225 |
| 19 years | $10,860 |
| 21 years | $13,495 |
| 23 years | $16,131 |
| 25 years | $18,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Chaska
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Chaska:
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 Chaska
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chaska
For many Chaska homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chaska, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chaska, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chaska to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chaska, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $15,333 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $20,762 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,350 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,097 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $38,004 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $44,069 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $50,293 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $56,677 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Chaska, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chaska?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chaska?
A solar panel system isn't free in Chaska, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 requires 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 house 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.