Solar Panel Cost Guide in South St. Paul, MN (2024 Update)
- South St. Paul Solar Installation Cost: $20,281
- 25-Year Savings: $11,706
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South St. Paul
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in South St. Paul.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South St. Paul it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,281 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in South St. Paul based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in South St. Paul see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South St. Paul
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-16,442 |
| 5 years | $-13,883 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-8,766 |
| 11 years | $-6,207 |
| 13 years | $-3,648 |
| 15 years | $-1,089 |
| 17 years | $1,470 |
| 19 years | $4,029 |
| 21 years | $6,588 |
| 23 years | $9,147 |
| 25 years | $11,706 |
Top Solar Installers in South St. Paul
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 South St. Paul
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South St. Paul
For many South St. Paul homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South St. Paul, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South St. Paul, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in South St. Paul, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $12,263 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,803 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,567 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,558 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,774 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,216 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,884 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,777 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in South St. Paul, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully 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 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 South St. Paul, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South St. Paul?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South St. Paul?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South St. Paul, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.