Solar Panel Cost Guide in International Falls, MN (2023 Update)
- International Falls Solar Installation Cost: $15,347
- 25-Year Savings: $22,363
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in International Falls
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in International Falls.
In International Falls, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in International Falls is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,347 for a solar installation, or $21,946 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of International Falls homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average International Falls homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in International Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,839 |
| 3 years | $-10,822 |
| 5 years | $-7,805 |
| 7 years | $-4,788 |
| 9 years | $-1,772 |
| 11 years | $1,245 |
| 13 years | $4,262 |
| 15 years | $7,279 |
| 17 years | $10,296 |
| 19 years | $13,312 |
| 21 years | $16,329 |
| 23 years | $19,346 |
| 25 years | $22,363 |
Top Solar Installers in International Falls
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of 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 International Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in International Falls
Even though the average cost of a solar system in International Falls is $15,347, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in International Falls, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like International Falls, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in International Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $16,896 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,846 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $28,956 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $35,224 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $41,651 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $48,238 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $54,983 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $61,887 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 International Falls, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in International Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in International Falls is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in International Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in International Falls is currently $111,500, which means you can expect a value of about $4,572 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in International Falls is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.