Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crescent, MN (2024 Update)
- La Crescent Solar Installation Cost: $20,420
- 25-Year Savings: $21,873
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Crescent
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in La Crescent.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in La Crescent it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in La Crescent, the average price of going solar will be about $20,420 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in La Crescent, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Crescent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,141 |
| 3 years | $-16,582 |
| 5 years | $-14,023 |
| 7 years | $-11,464 |
| 9 years | $-8,905 |
| 11 years | $-6,346 |
| 13 years | $-3,787 |
| 15 years | $-1,229 |
| 17 years | $1,330 |
| 19 years | $3,889 |
| 21 years | $6,448 |
| 23 years | $9,007 |
| 25 years | $11,566 |
Top Solar Installers in La Crescent
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in La Crescent:
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 La Crescent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crescent
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in La Crescent: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in La Crescent.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the La Crescent average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many La Crescent 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 amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,455 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,058 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,886 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,940 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $32,220 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,726 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $43,457 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $49,414 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 La Crescent, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Crescent?
The average cost of solar panels in La Crescent is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my 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 La Crescent is currently $314,729, which means you can expect a value of about $12,904 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Crescent is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.