Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chisago City, MN (2024 Update)

  • Chisago City Solar Installation Cost: $20,377
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,249
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Chisago City

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Chisago City.

In Chisago City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Chisago City homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,377 with the federal tax credit, or $29,139 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Chisago City depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chisago City find going solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Chisago City for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Chisago City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,098
3 years $-16,539
5 years $-13,980
7 years $-11,421
9 years $-8,862
11 years $-6,304
13 years $-3,745
15 years $-1,186
17 years $1,373
19 years $3,932
21 years $6,491
23 years $9,050
25 years $11,609

Top Solar Installers in Chisago City

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Chisago City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chisago City

There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chisago City, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chisago City homeowners, they can also add to 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

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chisago City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better 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 $13,636 14.1 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $18,632 13.8 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $23,855 13.5 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $29,303 13.3 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $34,976 13.0 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $40,876 12.7 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $47,001 12.5 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $53,351 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.

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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Chisago City, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chisago City?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Chisago City?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Chisago City. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chisago City?

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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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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