Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Grand Forks, MN (2023 Update)
- East Grand Forks Solar Installation Cost: $14,380
- 25-Year Savings: $18,040
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Grand Forks
We go over average solar pricing in East Grand Forks.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Grand Forks, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in East Grand Forks, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,373, or $20,553 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in East Grand Forks for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in East Grand Forks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,221 |
| 3 years | $-10,904 |
| 5 years | $-8,587 |
| 7 years | $-6,270 |
| 9 years | $-3,953 |
| 11 years | $-1,637 |
| 13 years | $680 |
| 15 years | $2,997 |
| 17 years | $5,314 |
| 19 years | $7,631 |
| 21 years | $9,948 |
| 23 years | $12,265 |
| 25 years | $14,582 |
Top Solar Installers in East Grand Forks
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in East Grand Forks, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 East Grand Forks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Grand Forks
Although the average cost of a solar system in East Grand Forks is $14,373, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the East Grand Forks average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Grand Forks to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically 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 increases your total 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. East Grand Forks' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,487 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $19,634 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $24,940 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $30,405 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $36,029 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $41,812 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $47,754 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $53,856 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 East Grand Forks, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Grand Forks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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 East Grand Forks?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.