Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, MN (2023 Update)
- Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $14,345
- 25-Year Savings: $21,945
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maplewood
We go over average solar pricing in Maplewood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Maplewood, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. The average Maplewood homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,353 with the federal tax credit, or $20,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Maplewood can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Maplewood that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Maplewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,224 |
| 3 years | $-13,982 |
| 5 years | $-13,740 |
| 7 years | $-13,498 |
| 9 years | $-13,256 |
| 11 years | $-13,014 |
| 13 years | $-12,772 |
| 15 years | $-12,531 |
| 17 years | $-12,289 |
| 19 years | $-12,047 |
| 21 years | $-11,805 |
| 23 years | $-11,563 |
| 25 years | $-11,321 |
Top Solar Installers in Maplewood
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Maplewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood
There are several factors that can play into your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Maplewood average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. 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. 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
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Maplewood, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- 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 cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Maplewood, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Maplewood?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Maplewood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Maplewood?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 install 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.