Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Branch, MN (2024 Update)
- North Branch Solar Installation Cost: $20,377
- 25-Year Savings: $24,004
- Payback Period: 13.3 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 North Branch
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Branch.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Branch generally cost around 4.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in North Branch, the average price of going solar will be about $20,377 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Branch find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Branch
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,098 |
| 3 years | $-16,539 |
| 5 years | $-13,980 |
| 7 years | $-11,421 |
| 9 years | $-8,862 |
| 11 years | $-6,304 |
| 13 years | $-3,745 |
| 15 years | $-1,186 |
| 17 years | $1,373 |
| 19 years | $3,932 |
| 21 years | $6,491 |
| 23 years | $9,050 |
| 25 years | $11,609 |
Top Solar Installers in North Branch
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 North Branch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Branch
The cost of installing a solar system in North Branch can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in North Branch, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in North Branch have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for North Branch homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Branch is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $14,263 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $19,468 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $24,900 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $30,557 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $36,439 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $42,548 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $48,882 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $55,441 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 North Branch, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Branch?
The average cost of solar panels in North Branch is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Branch?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does North Branch have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.