Solar Panel Cost Guide in Detroit Lakes, MN (2023 Update)
- Detroit Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $14,373
- 25-Year Savings: $15,989
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Detroit Lakes
We go over average solar pricing in Detroit Lakes.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Detroit Lakes it's 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Detroit Lakes is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,373 for a solar installation, or $20,553 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Detroit Lakes depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Detroit Lakes can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Detroit Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,159 |
| 3 years | $-10,730 |
| 5 years | $-8,301 |
| 7 years | $-5,872 |
| 9 years | $-3,443 |
| 11 years | $-1,014 |
| 13 years | $1,415 |
| 15 years | $3,844 |
| 17 years | $6,273 |
| 19 years | $8,702 |
| 21 years | $11,131 |
| 23 years | $13,560 |
| 25 years | $15,989 |
Top Solar Installers in Detroit Lakes
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Detroit Lakes, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Detroit Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Detroit Lakes
While the average cost of a solar system in Detroit Lakes is $14,373, your actual cost may differ. There are many 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Detroit Lakes average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Detroit Lakes offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Detroit Lakes is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $12,775 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $17,352 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $22,087 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $26,982 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $32,035 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $37,248 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $42,619 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $48,150 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Detroit Lakes, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Detroit Lakes?
The average cost of solar panels in Detroit Lakes 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Detroit Lakes?
You can't get solar panels for free in Detroit Lakes. 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.
Does Detroit Lakes have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Detroit Lakes?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.