Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eagan, MN (Mar 2023)
- Eagan Solar Installation Cost: $14,294
- 25-Year Savings: $21,492
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eagan
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Eagan.
The average cost of a solar system in Eagan is 2.84 per watt. The average Eagan homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,294 with the federal tax credit, or $20,440 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Eagan, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eagan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,862 |
| 3 years | $-9,999 |
| 5 years | $-7,137 |
| 7 years | $-4,274 |
| 9 years | $-1,411 |
| 11 years | $1,452 |
| 13 years | $4,315 |
| 15 years | $7,178 |
| 17 years | $10,041 |
| 19 years | $12,904 |
| 21 years | $15,767 |
| 23 years | $18,629 |
| 25 years | $21,492 |
Top Solar Installers in Eagan
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Eagan:
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 Eagan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eagan
The cost of installing a solar system in Eagan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Eagan, 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Eagan to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Eagan, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,461 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,600 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,897 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,354 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,970 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,744 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,678 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,771 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Eagan, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eagan?
The average cost of solar panels in Eagan 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Eagan?
Each state has some kind 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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.