Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota Heights, MN (2024 Update)
- Mendota Heights Solar Installation Cost: $20,281
- 25-Year Savings: $21,494
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mendota Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mendota Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mendota Heights typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,281 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 true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Mendota Heights homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mendota Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-16,442 |
| 5 years | $-13,883 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-8,766 |
| 11 years | $-6,207 |
| 13 years | $-3,648 |
| 15 years | $-1,089 |
| 17 years | $1,470 |
| 19 years | $4,029 |
| 21 years | $6,588 |
| 23 years | $9,147 |
| 25 years | $11,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Mendota Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Mendota Heights:
See all of the solar companies in Mendota Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mendota Heights
The cost of installing a solar system in Mendota Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Mendota Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mendota Heights, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mendota Heights to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mendota Heights is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,263 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,803 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,567 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,558 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,774 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,216 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,884 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,777 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Mendota Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mendota Heights?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mendota Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 Mendota Heights?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly 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 get 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.