Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crescent, MN (2023 Update)
- La Crescent Solar Installation Cost: $14,393
- 25-Year Savings: $21,870
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Crescent
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in La Crescent.
The average cost of solar panels in La Crescent is 2.84 per watt. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in La Crescent, the average price of going solar will be about $14,393 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in La Crescent can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Crescent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,943 |
| 3 years | $-10,042 |
| 5 years | $-7,141 |
| 7 years | $-4,239 |
| 9 years | $-1,338 |
| 11 years | $1,563 |
| 13 years | $4,464 |
| 15 years | $7,365 |
| 17 years | $10,266 |
| 19 years | $13,167 |
| 21 years | $16,068 |
| 23 years | $18,969 |
| 25 years | $21,870 |
Top Solar Installers in La Crescent
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 La Crescent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crescent
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in La Crescent, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Crescent to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for La Crescent homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in La Crescent have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $17,653 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,855 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,216 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,736 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $43,416 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $50,254 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $57,252 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $64,408 | 8.9 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. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 La Crescent, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Crescent?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in La Crescent?
You can't get solar panels for free in La Crescent. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout La Crescent, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.