Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sartell, MN (Mar 2023)
- Sartell Solar Installation Cost: $14,174
- 25-Year Savings: $19,634
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sartell
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sartell.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sartell typically cost about 2.84. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $14,174 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Sartell based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Sartell for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sartell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,822 |
| 3 years | $-10,117 |
| 5 years | $-7,413 |
| 7 years | $-4,708 |
| 9 years | $-2,003 |
| 11 years | $701 |
| 13 years | $3,406 |
| 15 years | $6,111 |
| 17 years | $8,815 |
| 19 years | $11,520 |
| 21 years | $14,224 |
| 23 years | $16,929 |
| 25 years | $19,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Sartell
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sartell, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Sartell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sartell
Although the average cost of a solar system in Sartell is $14,174, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sartell, 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 total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sartell average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Sartell, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sartell have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,064 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,736 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,568 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $33,559 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $39,709 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $46,018 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $52,485 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $59,112 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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
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
EcoWatch's Sartell, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sartell?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Sartell have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 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.
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.