Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crookston, MN (2023 Update)
- Crookston Solar Installation Cost: $14,380
- 25-Year Savings: $17,695
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crookston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Crookston.
In Crookston, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Crookston, the average price of going solar will be about $14,373 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crookston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,273 |
| 3 years | $-14,059 |
| 5 years | $-13,845 |
| 7 years | $-13,631 |
| 9 years | $-13,417 |
| 11 years | $-13,204 |
| 13 years | $-12,990 |
| 15 years | $-12,776 |
| 17 years | $-12,562 |
| 19 years | $-12,348 |
| 21 years | $-12,134 |
| 23 years | $-11,921 |
| 25 years | $-11,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Crookston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Crookston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crookston
For many Crookston homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Crookston, 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,840. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Crookston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Crookston offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,200 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $19,252 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $24,463 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $29,832 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $35,361 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $41,049 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $46,896 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $52,901 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Crookston, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crookston?
The average cost of solar panels in Crookston 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Crookston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Crookston. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Crookston?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.