Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sauk Rapids, MN (2023 Update)
- Sauk Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $14,194
- 25-Year Savings: $21,083
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sauk Rapids
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sauk Rapids.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sauk Rapids typically cost around 2.84. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sauk Rapids, the average price of going solar will be about $14,194 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sauk Rapids find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sauk Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,783 |
| 3 years | $-9,961 |
| 5 years | $-7,139 |
| 7 years | $-4,317 |
| 9 years | $-1,494 |
| 11 years | $1,328 |
| 13 years | $4,150 |
| 15 years | $6,972 |
| 17 years | $9,795 |
| 19 years | $12,617 |
| 21 years | $15,439 |
| 23 years | $18,261 |
| 25 years | $21,083 |
Top Solar Installers in Sauk Rapids
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sauk Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Sauk Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sauk Rapids homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Sauk Rapids' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,226 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,285 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,504 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $35,882 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,420 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,116 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $55,971 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $62,985 | 9.1 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to 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 Sauk Rapids, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sauk Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Sauk Rapids is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sauk Rapids?
A solar panel system isn't free in Sauk Rapids, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Sauk Rapids?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.