Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota Heights, MN (2023 Update)
- Mendota Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,294
- 25-Year Savings: $21,492
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mendota Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Mendota Heights.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Mendota Heights is 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,294 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mendota Heights homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mendota Heights see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Mendota Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mendota Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,862 |
| 3 years | $-9,999 |
| 5 years | $-7,137 |
| 7 years | $-4,274 |
| 9 years | $-1,411 |
| 11 years | $1,452 |
| 13 years | $4,315 |
| 15 years | $7,178 |
| 17 years | $10,041 |
| 19 years | $12,904 |
| 21 years | $15,767 |
| 23 years | $18,629 |
| 25 years | $21,492 |
Top Solar Installers in Mendota Heights
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mendota Heights homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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're only able to 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Mendota Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 promotion 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,461 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,600 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,897 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,354 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,970 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,744 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,678 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,771 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- 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.
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 Mendota Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mendota Heights?
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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $995.55 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Mendota Heights?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.