Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Oaks, MN (2023 Update)
- North Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $21,433
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Oaks
We break down average solar pricing in North Oaks.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Oaks it's 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Oaks is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,353 for a solar installation, or $20,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in North Oaks can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in North Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,922 |
| 3 years | $-10,059 |
| 5 years | $-7,196 |
| 7 years | $-4,333 |
| 9 years | $-1,470 |
| 11 years | $1,392 |
| 13 years | $4,255 |
| 15 years | $7,118 |
| 17 years | $9,981 |
| 19 years | $12,844 |
| 21 years | $15,707 |
| 23 years | $18,570 |
| 25 years | $21,433 |
Top Solar Installers in North Oaks
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Oaks
The cost of installing a solar system in North Oaks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Oaks to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,351 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,453 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,713 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,133 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,712 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,450 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,347 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,403 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Oaks, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Oaks?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Oaks?
You can't get solar panels for free in North Oaks. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout North Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 take a 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 account for 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.