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.The average solar panel system size in La Crescent is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,420 for a solar installation, or $29,201 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average La Crescent homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in La Crescent that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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 by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in La Crescent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crescent
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,030. 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 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. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the La Crescent average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in La Crescent have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for La Crescent homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Crescent is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 stuff like the type 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 get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.