Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, MN (2025 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $20,253
- 25-Year Savings: $11,733
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Northfield.
The average cost of a solar system in Northfield is 4 per watt.The average Northfield homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,253 with the federal tax credit, or $28,962 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Northfield can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,974 |
| 3 years | $-16,415 |
| 5 years | $-13,856 |
| 7 years | $-11,297 |
| 9 years | $-8,738 |
| 11 years | $-6,179 |
| 13 years | $-3,620 |
| 15 years | $-1,061 |
| 17 years | $1,498 |
| 19 years | $4,056 |
| 21 years | $6,615 |
| 23 years | $9,174 |
| 25 years | $11,733 |
Top Solar Installers in Northfield
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northfield, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Northfield have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Northfield is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $11,043 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,175 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $19,533 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $24,117 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $28,926 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $33,961 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $39,222 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $44,708 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Northfield, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Northfield 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 the amount of 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 buy 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.