Solar Panel Cost Guide in Circle Pines, MN (Mar 2023)
- Circle Pines Solar Installation Cost: $14,274
- 25-Year Savings: $21,373
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Circle Pines
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Circle Pines.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Circle Pines typically cost around 2.84. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Circle Pines, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,274, or $20,412 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Circle Pines homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Circle Pines can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Circle Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,848 |
| 3 years | $-9,996 |
| 5 years | $-7,144 |
| 7 years | $-4,293 |
| 9 years | $-1,441 |
| 11 years | $1,411 |
| 13 years | $4,262 |
| 15 years | $7,114 |
| 17 years | $9,966 |
| 19 years | $12,818 |
| 21 years | $15,669 |
| 23 years | $18,521 |
| 25 years | $21,373 |
Top Solar Installers in Circle Pines
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Circle Pines, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Circle Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Circle Pines
For many Circle Pines homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Circle Pines, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Circle Pines, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Circle Pines is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
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
EcoWatch's Circle Pines, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Circle Pines?
The average cost of solar panels in Circle Pines 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Circle Pines, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.