Solar Panel Cost Guide in Minnetrista, MN (2023 Update)
- Minnetrista Solar Installation Cost: $14,314
- 25-Year Savings: $19,448
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Minnetrista
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Minnetrista.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Minnetrista typically cost about 2.84. The average Minnetrista homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,314 with the federal tax credit, or $20,469 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Minnetrista depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Minnetrista homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Minnetrista for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Minnetrista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,963 |
| 3 years | $-10,262 |
| 5 years | $-7,561 |
| 7 years | $-4,860 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $542 |
| 13 years | $3,243 |
| 15 years | $5,944 |
| 17 years | $8,645 |
| 19 years | $11,346 |
| 21 years | $14,046 |
| 23 years | $16,747 |
| 25 years | $19,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Minnetrista
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Minnetrista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Minnetrista
For many Minnetrista homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Minnetrista, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Minnetrista, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Minnetrista, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $15,723 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,282 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,999 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,877 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $38,913 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,108 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $51,462 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $57,975 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Minnetrista, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Minnetrista?
The average cost of solar panels in Minnetrista is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Minnetrista?
You can't get solar panels for free in Minnetrista. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Minnetrista is currently $390,075, so you can expect a value of about $15,993 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Minnetrista is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.