Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chisago Lake, MN (2023 Update)

  • Chisago Lake Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,056
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Chisago Lake

We break down average solar pricing in Chisago Lake.

In Chisago Lake, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Chisago Lake is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,353 for a solar installation, or $20,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Chisago Lake for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Chisago Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,857
3 years $-9,864
5 years $-6,872
7 years $-3,879
9 years $-886
11 years $2,107
13 years $5,099
15 years $8,092
17 years $11,085
19 years $14,077
21 years $17,070
23 years $20,063
25 years $23,056

Top Solar Installers in Chisago Lake

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

Working with a professional 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 Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chisago Lake

There are a number of factors that can play into your total 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,840 per kilowatt in Chisago Lake. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional 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 available from most installers in Chisago Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chisago Lake, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $18,667 10.0 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $25,208 9.8 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $31,908 9.6 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $38,766 9.4 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $45,784 9.2 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $52,961 9.0 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $60,296 8.8 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $67,791 8.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Chisago Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. 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 make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

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 Lake, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chisago Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in Chisago Lake is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

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

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

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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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