Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Falls, MN (2024 Update)
- Little Falls Solar Installation Cost: $20,259
- 25-Year Savings: $15,202
- Payback Period: 17.2 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 Little Falls
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Little Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Little Falls, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Little Falls homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,259 with the federal tax credit, or $28,970 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Little Falls depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Little Falls find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Little Falls, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,217 |
| 3 years | $-17,134 |
| 5 years | $-15,052 |
| 7 years | $-12,969 |
| 9 years | $-10,886 |
| 11 years | $-8,803 |
| 13 years | $-6,720 |
| 15 years | $-4,637 |
| 17 years | $-2,554 |
| 19 years | $-472 |
| 21 years | $1,611 |
| 23 years | $3,694 |
| 25 years | $5,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Falls
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Little Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Little Falls can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
Most solar installers in Little Falls offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Little Falls’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $7,026 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $9,819 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $12,838 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $16,083 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $19,553 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $23,249 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $27,171 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $31,318 | 15.5 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. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Little Falls, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Falls?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Little Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.