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 June 24, 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.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Bethel generally cost around 4.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in East Bethel, the average price of going solar will be about $20,251 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.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 utility bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in East Bethel, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Bethel

YearReturn 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

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 East Bethel to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in East Bethel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$13,12814.3 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$17,95514.0 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$23,00813.8 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$28,28713.5 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$33,79113.2 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$39,52112.9 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$45,47712.7 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$51,65812.4 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 can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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 difficult 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in East Bethel?

A solar panel system isn’t free in East Bethel, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does East Bethel have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.