Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sauk Rapids, MN (2025 Update)
- Sauk Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $20,152
- 25-Year Savings: $21,077
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sauk Rapids
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Sauk Rapids.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sauk Rapids it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sauk Rapids, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,152, or $28,817 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sauk Rapids can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sauk Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,110 |
| 3 years | $-17,027 |
| 5 years | $-14,944 |
| 7 years | $-12,862 |
| 9 years | $-10,779 |
| 11 years | $-8,696 |
| 13 years | $-6,613 |
| 15 years | $-4,530 |
| 17 years | $-2,447 |
| 19 years | $-364 |
| 21 years | $1,719 |
| 23 years | $3,801 |
| 25 years | $5,884 |
Top Solar Installers in Sauk Rapids
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Sauk Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sauk Rapids
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in Sauk Rapids.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sauk Rapids homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sauk Rapids, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,028 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,488 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,174 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,086 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,224 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,587 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,176 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $47,991 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Sauk Rapids, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sauk Rapids?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sauk Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Sauk Rapids have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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 needs 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 get 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.