Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Bethel, MN (2024 Update)

  • East Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,497
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Bethel

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in East Bethel.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Bethel it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in East Bethel depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Bethel

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,983
3 years $-16,447
5 years $-13,910
7 years $-11,374
9 years $-8,838
11 years $-6,301
13 years $-3,765
15 years $-1,229
17 years $1,308
19 years $3,844
21 years $6,380
23 years $8,917
25 years $11,453

Top Solar Installers in East Bethel

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in East Bethel:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 East Bethel

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Bethel

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in East Bethel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,030. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Bethel to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important 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

The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk 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 $4.19 $17,603 $13,128 14.3 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $17,955 14.0 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $23,008 13.8 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $28,287 13.5 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $33,791 13.2 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $39,521 12.9 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $45,477 12.7 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $51,658 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 East Bethel, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Bethel?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in East Bethel?

You can’t get solar panels for free in East Bethel. 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in East Bethel?

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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in East Bethel?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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