Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crescent, MN (2023 Update)
- La Crescent Solar Installation Cost: $14,390
- 25-Year Savings: $21,873
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Crescent
We break down average solar pricing in La Crescent.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Crescent, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.84 per watt. The average La Crescent homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,393 with the federal tax credit, or $20,582 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of La Crescent homeowners. The price 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. Even with the large initial cost, the average La Crescent homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Crescent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,270 |
| 3 years | $-14,028 |
| 5 years | $-13,786 |
| 7 years | $-13,544 |
| 9 years | $-13,303 |
| 11 years | $-13,061 |
| 13 years | $-12,819 |
| 15 years | $-12,577 |
| 17 years | $-12,335 |
| 19 years | $-12,094 |
| 21 years | $-11,852 |
| 23 years | $-11,610 |
| 25 years | $-11,368 |
Top Solar Installers in La Crescent
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in La Crescent, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many La Crescent homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for La Crescent homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Crescent is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $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 solar panel 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 some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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.