Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falcon Heights, MN (2024 Update)
- Falcon Heights Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
- 25-Year Savings: $21,441
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falcon Heights
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Falcon Heights.
In Falcon Heights, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,356 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Falcon Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,076 |
| 3 years | $-16,518 |
| 5 years | $-13,959 |
| 7 years | $-11,400 |
| 9 years | $-8,841 |
| 11 years | $-6,282 |
| 13 years | $-3,723 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,395 |
| 19 years | $3,954 |
| 21 years | $6,513 |
| 23 years | $9,071 |
| 25 years | $11,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Falcon Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Falcon Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in Falcon Heights.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Falcon Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Falcon Heights have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Falcon Heights homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill 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 prices because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,153 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,655 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,383 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,337 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,517 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,922 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,552 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,409 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Falcon Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Falcon Heights?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.