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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 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.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lonsdale, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,226, or $28,923 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Lonsdale homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Lonsdale for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Lonsdale

YearReturn 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

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Lonsdale, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Lonsdale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lonsdale

Though the average cost of a solar system in Lonsdale is $20,226, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

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. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$10,29115.8 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$14,17215.5 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$18,27915.2 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$22,61214.9 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$27,17114.6 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$31,95514.3 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$36,96514.0 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$42,20113.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 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 actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lonsdale?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

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 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 install 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.