Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moorhead, MN (2024 Update)
- Moorhead Solar Installation Cost: $20,239
- 25-Year Savings: $18,829
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moorhead
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Moorhead.
The average cost of solar panels in Moorhead is 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Moorhead, the average price of going solar will be about $20,239 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Moorhead homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Moorhead can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Moorhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,125 |
| 3 years | $-16,898 |
| 5 years | $-14,671 |
| 7 years | $-12,444 |
| 9 years | $-10,217 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,763 |
| 15 years | $-3,535 |
| 17 years | $-1,308 |
| 19 years | $919 |
| 21 years | $3,146 |
| 23 years | $5,373 |
| 25 years | $7,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Moorhead
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- 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
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 Moorhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moorhead
For many Moorhead homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Moorhead, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably 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 Moorhead, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Moorhead average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Moorhead homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Moorhead, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Moorhead have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,071 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,880 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,914 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,174 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,659 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,371 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,308 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $41,470 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Moorhead, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, 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 need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- 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
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 Moorhead, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moorhead?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Moorhead?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Moorhead. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Moorhead?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.