Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crystal, MN (2024 Update)
- Crystal Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
- 25-Year Savings: $21,469
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crystal
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Crystal.
In Crystal, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Crystal homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,316 with the federal tax credit, or $29,052 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Crystal find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crystal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,037 |
| 3 years | $-16,478 |
| 5 years | $-13,919 |
| 7 years | $-11,360 |
| 9 years | $-8,801 |
| 11 years | $-6,242 |
| 13 years | $-3,684 |
| 15 years | $-1,125 |
| 17 years | $1,434 |
| 19 years | $3,993 |
| 21 years | $6,552 |
| 23 years | $9,111 |
| 25 years | $11,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Crystal
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Crystal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crystal
While the average cost of a solar system in Crystal is $20,316, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Crystal, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Crystal offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Crystal homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Crystal, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,211 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,733 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,480 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,453 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,652 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,076 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,726 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,602 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Crystal, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crystal?
The average cost of solar panels in Crystal is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Crystal?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Crystal have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.