Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lonsdale, MN (2024 Update)
- Lonsdale Solar Installation Cost: $20,226
- 25-Year Savings: $19,078
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lonsdale
We go over average solar pricing in Lonsdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lonsdale it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lonsdale is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,226 for a solar installation, or $28,923 before the 0 federal solar 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 making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Lonsdale homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lonsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,946 |
| 3 years | $-16,387 |
| 5 years | $-13,828 |
| 7 years | $-11,269 |
| 9 years | $-8,711 |
| 11 years | $-6,152 |
| 13 years | $-3,593 |
| 15 years | $-1,034 |
| 17 years | $1,525 |
| 19 years | $4,084 |
| 21 years | $6,643 |
| 23 years | $9,202 |
| 25 years | $11,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Lonsdale
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lonsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lonsdale
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in Lonsdale.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lonsdale, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Lonsdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,291 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $14,172 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $18,279 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,612 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $27,171 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,955 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,965 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $42,201 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 completion timeline.
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 Lonsdale, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lonsdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Lonsdale 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Lonsdale have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.