Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delano, MN (Mar 2023)
- Delano Solar Installation Cost: $14,174
- 25-Year Savings: $17,923
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delano
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Delano.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Delano generally cost about 2.84. The average solar panel system size in Delano is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,174 for a solar installation, or $20,269 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Delano based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Delano see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Delano that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Delano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,891 |
| 3 years | $-10,323 |
| 5 years | $-7,755 |
| 7 years | $-5,187 |
| 9 years | $-2,620 |
| 11 years | $-52 |
| 13 years | $2,516 |
| 15 years | $5,084 |
| 17 years | $7,652 |
| 19 years | $10,219 |
| 21 years | $12,787 |
| 23 years | $15,355 |
| 25 years | $17,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Delano
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Delano, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Delano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delano
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Delano: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 spend around $2,840 per kilowatt in Delano. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Delano, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $14,621 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $19,813 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $25,163 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $30,673 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $36,342 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $42,170 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $48,157 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $54,303 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
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
EcoWatch's Delano, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delano?
The average cost of solar panels in Delano is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Delano?
A solar panel system isn't free in Delano, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
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% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Delano?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.