Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crookston, MN (2024 Update)
- Crookston Solar Installation Cost: $20,405
- 25-Year Savings: $17,695
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crookston
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Crookston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Crookston it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,405 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Crookston find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crookston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,443 |
| 3 years | $-17,518 |
| 5 years | $-15,593 |
| 7 years | $-13,669 |
| 9 years | $-11,744 |
| 11 years | $-9,819 |
| 13 years | $-7,895 |
| 15 years | $-5,970 |
| 17 years | $-4,046 |
| 19 years | $-2,121 |
| 21 years | $-196 |
| 23 years | $1,728 |
| 25 years | $3,653 |
Top Solar Installers in Crookston
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Crookston, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Crookston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Crookston.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Crookston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Crookston is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,003 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $12,455 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $16,133 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $20,036 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $24,165 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $28,520 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $33,101 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $37,907 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Crookston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Crookston?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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 reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.