Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duluth, MN (2024 Update)
- Duluth Solar Installation Cost: $21,487
- 25-Year Savings: $16,625
- Payback Period: 16.9 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 Duluth
We go over average solar pricing in Duluth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Duluth it’s 4 per watt.The average Duluth homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,487 with the federal tax credit, or $30,726 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Duluth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,419 |
| 3 years | $-18,282 |
| 5 years | $-16,145 |
| 7 years | $-14,008 |
| 9 years | $-11,871 |
| 11 years | $-9,734 |
| 13 years | $-7,598 |
| 15 years | $-5,461 |
| 17 years | $-3,324 |
| 19 years | $-1,187 |
| 21 years | $950 |
| 23 years | $3,087 |
| 25 years | $5,224 |
Top Solar Installers in Duluth
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 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 is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Duluth.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Duluth’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $7,421 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $10,346 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $13,496 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $16,872 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $20,474 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $24,302 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $28,355 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $32,634 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Duluth, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Duluth, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Duluth?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Duluth?
Solar panels aren’t free in Duluth, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Duluth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get 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.