Solar Panel Cost Guide in Linwood, MN (2024 Update)
- Linwood Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
- 25-Year Savings: $22,812
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Linwood
We break down average solar pricing in Linwood.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Linwood generally cost about 4.The average Linwood homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,251 with the federal tax credit, or $28,959 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Linwood that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Linwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,980 |
| 3 years | $-16,438 |
| 5 years | $-13,896 |
| 7 years | $-11,354 |
| 9 years | $-8,812 |
| 11 years | $-6,270 |
| 13 years | $-3,728 |
| 15 years | $-1,186 |
| 17 years | $1,356 |
| 19 years | $3,898 |
| 21 years | $6,440 |
| 23 years | $8,982 |
| 25 years | $11,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Linwood
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Linwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Linwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Linwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in Linwood.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Linwood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Linwood homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Linwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,391 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $18,306 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $23,447 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $28,814 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $34,406 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $40,224 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $46,267 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $52,537 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Linwood, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Linwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Linwood is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Linwood?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Linwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Linwood, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.