Solar Panel Cost Guide in Park Rapids, MN (2025 Update)

  • Park Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $20,711
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,346
  • Payback Period: 16.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Park Rapids

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Park Rapids.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Park Rapids it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Park Rapids, the average price of going solar will be about $20,711 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Park Rapids homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Park Rapids that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Park Rapids

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,670
3 years$-17,587
5 years$-15,504
7 years$-13,421
9 years$-11,339
11 years$-9,256
13 years$-7,173
15 years$-5,090
17 years$-3,007
19 years$-924
21 years$1,159
23 years$3,242
25 years$5,324

Top Solar Installers in Park Rapids

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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See all of the solar companies in Park Rapids

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Park Rapids

For many Park Rapids homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Park Rapids, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.The brand and type 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 have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Park Rapids, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Park Rapids’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$8,50016.9 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$11,78516.5 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$15,29516.2 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$19,03115.9 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$22,99315.6 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$27,18115.2 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$31,59414.9 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$36,23314.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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EcoWatch's Park Rapids, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Park Rapids?

The average cost of solar panels in Park Rapids 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.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Park Rapids?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Park Rapids have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.