Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chaska, MN (2024 Update)
- Chaska Solar Installation Cost: $20,100
- 25-Year Savings: $18,775
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chaska
We break down average solar pricing in Chaska.
The average cost of a solar system in Chaska is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Chaska, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,100, or $28,743 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chaska can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Chaska, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chaska
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,821 |
| 3 years | $-16,262 |
| 5 years | $-13,703 |
| 7 years | $-11,144 |
| 9 years | $-8,585 |
| 11 years | $-6,026 |
| 13 years | $-3,467 |
| 15 years | $-908 |
| 17 years | $1,650 |
| 19 years | $4,209 |
| 21 years | $6,768 |
| 23 years | $9,327 |
| 25 years | $11,886 |
Top Solar Installers in Chaska
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Chaska, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Chaska is $20,100, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chaska average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chaska, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,135 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,965 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $18,020 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,301 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,808 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,541 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,499 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $41,683 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Chaska, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chaska?
The average cost of solar panels in Chaska is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chaska?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Chaska. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $924.61 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.