Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sauk Centre, MN (2023 Update)
- Sauk Centre Solar Installation Cost: $14,129
- 25-Year Savings: $15,912
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sauk Centre
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sauk Centre.
The average cost of solar panels in Sauk Centre is 2.84 per watt. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sauk Centre, the average price of going solar will be about $14,135 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sauk Centre can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Sauk Centre that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sauk Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,029 |
| 3 years | $-13,829 |
| 5 years | $-13,628 |
| 7 years | $-13,428 |
| 9 years | $-13,228 |
| 11 years | $-13,028 |
| 13 years | $-12,827 |
| 15 years | $-12,627 |
| 17 years | $-12,427 |
| 19 years | $-12,226 |
| 21 years | $-12,026 |
| 23 years | $-11,826 |
| 25 years | $-11,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Sauk Centre
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Sauk Centre, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Sauk Centre:
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 Sauk Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sauk Centre
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Sauk Centre: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,840. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sauk Centre, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sauk Centre homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sauk Centre, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sauk Centre are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $12,956 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $17,592 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $22,388 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $27,343 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $32,457 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $37,729 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $43,161 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $48,752 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Sauk Centre, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sauk Centre?
The average cost of solar panels in Sauk Centre 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sauk Centre?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sauk Centre. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sauk Centre, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.