Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cloquet, MN (2024 Update)
- Cloquet Solar Installation Cost: $21,000
- 25-Year Savings: $18,226
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cloquet
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cloquet.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cloquet it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $21,000 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cloquet see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Cloquet for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cloquet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,958 |
| 3 years | $-17,875 |
| 5 years | $-15,792 |
| 7 years | $-13,709 |
| 9 years | $-11,627 |
| 11 years | $-9,544 |
| 13 years | $-7,461 |
| 15 years | $-5,378 |
| 17 years | $-3,295 |
| 19 years | $-1,212 |
| 21 years | $871 |
| 23 years | $2,953 |
| 25 years | $5,036 |
Top Solar Installers in Cloquet
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cloquet, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Cloquet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cloquet
For many Cloquet homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cloquet, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in Cloquet.The brand and kind 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 often come at a higher price 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 more 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cloquet 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cloquet is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $9,015 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $12,472 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $16,154 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $20,062 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $24,196 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $28,555 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $33,140 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $37,950 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Cloquet, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cloquet?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cloquet?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cloquet. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Does Cloquet have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.