Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Falls, MN (Mar 2023)
- Little Falls Solar Installation Cost: $14,274
- 25-Year Savings: $15,205
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Falls
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Little Falls.
The average cost of solar panels in Little Falls is 2.84 per watt. The average Little Falls homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,274 with the federal tax credit, or $20,412 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Little Falls homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 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 Little Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,095 |
| 3 years | $-10,736 |
| 5 years | $-8,378 |
| 7 years | $-6,020 |
| 9 years | $-3,662 |
| 11 years | $-1,303 |
| 13 years | $1,055 |
| 15 years | $3,413 |
| 17 years | $5,772 |
| 19 years | $8,130 |
| 21 years | $10,488 |
| 23 years | $12,846 |
| 25 years | $15,205 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Falls
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Little Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Falls
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Little Falls: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Little Falls, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Little Falls, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Little Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $12,224 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $16,616 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $21,168 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $25,879 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $30,748 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $35,777 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $40,965 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $46,312 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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 what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Little Falls, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Falls?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Little Falls?
You can't get solar panels for free in Little Falls. 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 will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.