Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northern, MN (2024 Update)
- Northern Solar Installation Cost: $21,069
- 25-Year Savings: $14,507
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northern
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Northern.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northern it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Northern, the average price of going solar will be about $21,069 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Northern based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Northern homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Northern that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,107 |
| 3 years | $-18,182 |
| 5 years | $-16,258 |
| 7 years | $-14,333 |
| 9 years | $-12,408 |
| 11 years | $-10,484 |
| 13 years | $-8,559 |
| 15 years | $-6,634 |
| 17 years | $-4,710 |
| 19 years | $-2,785 |
| 21 years | $-861 |
| 23 years | $1,064 |
| 25 years | $2,989 |
Top Solar Installers in Northern
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Northern
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northern
For many Northern homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Northern, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Northern, 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 overall cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Northern, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Northern homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Northern is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $5,979 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $8,423 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $11,093 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $13,989 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $17,110 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $20,457 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $24,030 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $27,828 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Northern, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northern?
The average cost of solar panels in Northern is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Northern?
Solar panels aren’t free in Northern, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $786.06 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.