Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duluth, MN (2023 Update)
- Duluth Solar Installation Cost: $21,487
- 25-Year Savings: $16,625
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Duluth
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Duluth.
The average cost of a solar system in Duluth 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.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Duluth depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Duluth homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
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 installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Duluth, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Duluth, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Duluth to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Duluth, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Duluth are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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
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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Duluth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Duluth?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.