Solar Panel Cost Guide in Le Sueur, MN (2023 Update)
- Le Sueur Solar Installation Cost: $14,144
- 25-Year Savings: $20,244
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Le Sueur
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Le Sueur.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Le Sueur typically cost around 2.84. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $14,135 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Le Sueur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,865 |
| 3 years | $-10,306 |
| 5 years | $-7,747 |
| 7 years | $-5,188 |
| 9 years | $-2,629 |
| 11 years | $-71 |
| 13 years | $2,488 |
| 15 years | $5,047 |
| 17 years | $7,606 |
| 19 years | $10,165 |
| 21 years | $12,724 |
| 23 years | $15,283 |
| 25 years | $17,842 |
Top Solar Installers in Le Sueur
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Le Sueur, optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Le Sueur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Sueur
The cost of installing a solar system in Le Sueur can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,840. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Le Sueur average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Le Sueur, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $16,595 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,444 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $28,453 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $34,620 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $40,947 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $47,433 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $54,078 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $60,881 | 9.3 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 installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Le Sueur, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Le Sueur?
The average cost of solar panels in Le Sueur is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Le Sueur have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Le Sueur?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.