Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duluth, MN (Mar 2023)
- Duluth Solar Installation Cost: $15,149
- 25-Year Savings: $16,619
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Duluth
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Duluth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Duluth, the average cost of a solar system is 2.84 per watt. The average Duluth homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,149 with the federal tax credit, or $21,663 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Duluth homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Duluth homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Duluth, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Duluth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,878 |
| 3 years | $-11,336 |
| 5 years | $-8,795 |
| 7 years | $-6,254 |
| 9 years | $-3,712 |
| 11 years | $-1,171 |
| 13 years | $1,370 |
| 15 years | $3,912 |
| 17 years | $6,453 |
| 19 years | $8,995 |
| 21 years | $11,536 |
| 23 years | $14,077 |
| 25 years | $16,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Duluth
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Duluth, 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 Duluth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Duluth
The cost of installing a solar system in Duluth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 Duluth. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Duluth to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Duluth, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,619 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $17,143 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $21,826 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $26,668 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $31,670 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $36,830 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $42,150 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $47,628 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Duluth, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Duluth?
The average cost of solar panels in Duluth 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Duluth?
You can't get solar panels for free in Duluth. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $834.12 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.