Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Falls, MN (2023 Update)

  • Little Falls Solar Installation Cost: $14,277
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,202
  • Payback Period: 12.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Falls

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Little Falls.

In Little Falls, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Little Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $14,274 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Little Falls find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Little Falls for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Little Falls

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,235
3 years $-11,152
5 years $-9,070
7 years $-6,987
9 years $-4,904
11 years $-2,821
13 years $-738
15 years $1,345
17 years $3,428
19 years $5,511
21 years $7,593
23 years $9,676
25 years $11,759

Top Solar Installers in Little Falls

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Little Falls:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

For many Little Falls homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Little Falls, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Little Falls homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Little Falls, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 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 $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

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Little Falls 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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