Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Grand, MN (2023 Update)
- La Grand Solar Installation Cost: $14,035
- 25-Year Savings: $14,829
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Grand
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in La Grand.
The average cost of a solar system in La Grand is 2.84 per watt. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in La Grand, the average price of going solar will be about $14,035 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Grand
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,881 |
| 3 years | $-10,572 |
| 5 years | $-8,262 |
| 7 years | $-5,953 |
| 9 years | $-3,644 |
| 11 years | $-1,335 |
| 13 years | $974 |
| 15 years | $3,283 |
| 17 years | $5,592 |
| 19 years | $7,901 |
| 21 years | $10,210 |
| 23 years | $12,520 |
| 25 years | $14,829 |
Top Solar Installers in La Grand
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in La Grand:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in La Grand
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Grand
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in La Grand, one of the most crucial 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 figure out 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 — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like La Grand, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many La Grand homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in La Grand, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,130 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $16,492 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $21,013 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $25,692 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $30,531 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $35,529 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $40,685 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $46,001 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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
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
EcoWatch's La Grand, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Grand?
The average cost of solar panels in La Grand 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in La Grand is currently $224,546, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,206 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Grand is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in La Grand?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.