Solar Panel Cost Guide in North St Paul, MN (2023 Update)
- North St Paul Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $22,692
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in North St Paul
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in North St Paul.
The average cost of a solar system in North St Paul is 2.84 per watt. The average North St Paul homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,353 with the federal tax credit, or $20,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North St Paul
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,872 |
| 3 years | $-9,908 |
| 5 years | $-6,944 |
| 7 years | $-3,981 |
| 9 years | $-1,017 |
| 11 years | $1,947 |
| 13 years | $4,910 |
| 15 years | $7,874 |
| 17 years | $10,837 |
| 19 years | $13,801 |
| 21 years | $16,765 |
| 23 years | $19,728 |
| 25 years | $22,692 |
Top Solar Installers in North St Paul
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in North St Paul, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in North St Paul
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North St Paul
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in North St Paul: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North St Paul average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in North St Paul, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North St Paul is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $18,398 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,849 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $31,458 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $38,227 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $45,155 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $52,242 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $59,488 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $66,893 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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
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
EcoWatch's North St Paul, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North St Paul?
The average cost of solar panels in North St Paul 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in North St Paul?
You can't get solar panels for free in North St Paul. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North St Paul, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.