Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delano, MN (2024 Update)
- Delano Solar Installation Cost: $20,102
- 25-Year Savings: $17,931
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delano
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Delano.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Delano generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Delano is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,102 for a solar installation, or $28,746 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Delano depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Delano can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Delano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,822 |
| 3 years | $-16,263 |
| 5 years | $-13,704 |
| 7 years | $-11,146 |
| 9 years | $-8,587 |
| 11 years | $-6,028 |
| 13 years | $-3,469 |
| 15 years | $-910 |
| 17 years | $1,649 |
| 19 years | $4,208 |
| 21 years | $6,767 |
| 23 years | $9,326 |
| 25 years | $11,884 |
Top Solar Installers in Delano
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Delano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delano
While the average cost of a solar system in Delano is $20,102, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Delano, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Delano, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Delano, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $9,423 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,015 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $16,833 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $20,877 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $25,147 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $29,642 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $34,362 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $39,309 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Delano, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Delano, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delano?
This is a hard 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Delano?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Delano?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.