Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hopkins, MN (2024 Update)
- Hopkins Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
- 25-Year Savings: $11,670
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hopkins
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hopkins.
The average cost of solar panels in Hopkins is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hopkins is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,316 for a solar installation, or $29,052 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hopkins homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hopkins see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Hopkins that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hopkins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,037 |
| 3 years | $-16,478 |
| 5 years | $-13,919 |
| 7 years | $-11,360 |
| 9 years | $-8,801 |
| 11 years | $-6,242 |
| 13 years | $-3,684 |
| 15 years | $-1,125 |
| 17 years | $1,434 |
| 19 years | $3,993 |
| 21 years | $6,552 |
| 23 years | $9,111 |
| 25 years | $11,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Hopkins
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hopkins, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hopkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hopkins
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Hopkins: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in Hopkins.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Hopkins, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 promotion 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 | $12,211 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,733 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,480 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,453 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,652 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,076 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,726 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,602 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Hopkins, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hopkins?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Hopkins?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.