Solar Panel Cost Guide in Perham, MN (2024 Update)
- Perham Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $14,766
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Perham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Perham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Perham, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Perham homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,137 with the federal tax credit, or $28,796 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Perham can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Perham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Perham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,174 |
| 3 years | $-17,250 |
| 5 years | $-15,325 |
| 7 years | $-13,400 |
| 9 years | $-11,476 |
| 11 years | $-9,551 |
| 13 years | $-7,627 |
| 15 years | $-5,702 |
| 17 years | $-3,777 |
| 19 years | $-1,853 |
| 21 years | $72 |
| 23 years | $1,996 |
| 25 years | $3,921 |
Top Solar Installers in Perham
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Perham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Perham
For many Perham homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Perham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,030. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Perham, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $6,737 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $9,434 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $12,356 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $15,505 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $18,879 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $22,478 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $26,304 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $30,355 | 15.6 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Perham, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Perham?
The average cost of solar panels in Perham 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Perham?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Perham. 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.
Is it worth going solar in Perham?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.