Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, MN (2023 Update)
- Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $21,936
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maplewood
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Maplewood.
In Maplewood, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Maplewood, the average price of going solar will be about $14,353 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Maplewood homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maplewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,902 |
| 3 years | $-9,999 |
| 5 years | $-7,095 |
| 7 years | $-4,192 |
| 9 years | $-1,289 |
| 11 years | $1,614 |
| 13 years | $4,517 |
| 15 years | $7,420 |
| 17 years | $10,324 |
| 19 years | $13,227 |
| 21 years | $16,130 |
| 23 years | $19,033 |
| 25 years | $21,936 |
Top Solar Installers in Maplewood
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Maplewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood
For many Maplewood homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Maplewood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Maplewood, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Maplewood, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Maplewood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $17,770 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,011 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,411 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,971 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $43,689 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $50,567 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $57,603 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $64,799 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Maplewood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Maplewood, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Maplewood?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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.
Is it worth going solar in Maplewood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.