Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, MN (2023 Update)
- Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $14,314
- 25-Year Savings: $21,472
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth
We go over average solar pricing in Plymouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plymouth, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Plymouth, the average price of going solar will be about $14,314 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Plymouth based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Plymouth can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Plymouth for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plymouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,882 |
| 3 years | $-10,019 |
| 5 years | $-7,156 |
| 7 years | $-4,294 |
| 9 years | $-1,431 |
| 11 years | $1,432 |
| 13 years | $4,295 |
| 15 years | $7,158 |
| 17 years | $10,021 |
| 19 years | $12,884 |
| 21 years | $15,747 |
| 23 years | $18,610 |
| 25 years | $21,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Plymouth
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Plymouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth
The cost of installing a solar system in Plymouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,840. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plymouth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Plymouth homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plymouth is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,409 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,530 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,810 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,249 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,847 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,604 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,520 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,596 | 9.0 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. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Plymouth, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Plymouth 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plymouth?
A solar panel system isn't free in Plymouth, 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.
Does Plymouth have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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 long do solar panels last in Plymouth?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.