Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falcon Heights, MN (2023 Update)
- Falcon Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $21,433
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falcon Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Falcon Heights.
The average cost of solar panels in Falcon Heights is 2.84 per watt. The average Falcon Heights homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,353 with the federal tax credit, or $20,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Falcon Heights for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Falcon Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,922 |
| 3 years | $-10,059 |
| 5 years | $-7,196 |
| 7 years | $-4,333 |
| 9 years | $-1,470 |
| 11 years | $1,392 |
| 13 years | $4,255 |
| 15 years | $7,118 |
| 17 years | $9,981 |
| 19 years | $12,844 |
| 21 years | $15,707 |
| 23 years | $18,570 |
| 25 years | $21,433 |
Top Solar Installers in Falcon Heights
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Falcon Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falcon Heights
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,840. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Falcon Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the original 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 solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,351 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,453 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,713 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,133 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,712 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,450 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,347 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,403 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Falcon Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
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 Falcon Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Falcon Heights?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Falcon Heights have a net metering program?
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 power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Falcon Heights?
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.