Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia Heights, MN (2024 Update)
- Columbia Heights Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
- 25-Year Savings: $11,735
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Columbia Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbia Heights it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Columbia Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $20,251 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Columbia Heights based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbia Heights find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,972 |
| 3 years | $-16,413 |
| 5 years | $-13,854 |
| 7 years | $-11,295 |
| 9 years | $-8,736 |
| 11 years | $-6,177 |
| 13 years | $-3,618 |
| 15 years | $-1,060 |
| 17 years | $1,499 |
| 19 years | $4,058 |
| 21 years | $6,617 |
| 23 years | $9,176 |
| 25 years | $11,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Columbia Heights, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Columbia Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia Heights
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbia Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Columbia Heights homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Columbia Heights 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Columbia Heights’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Columbia Heights have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,307 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,860 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,640 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,645 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,875 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,332 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $43,014 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,921 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Columbia Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia Heights?
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Columbia Heights, 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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.