Solar Panel Cost Guide in South St. Paul, MN (2023 Update)
- South St. Paul Solar Installation Cost: $14,292
- 25-Year Savings: $21,494
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South St. Paul
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South St. Paul.
In South St. Paul, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in South St. Paul, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,294, or $20,440 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South St. Paul find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in South St. Paul for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South St. Paul
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,013 |
| 3 years | $-10,454 |
| 5 years | $-7,895 |
| 7 years | $-5,336 |
| 9 years | $-2,777 |
| 11 years | $-218 |
| 13 years | $2,341 |
| 15 years | $4,900 |
| 17 years | $7,459 |
| 19 years | $10,017 |
| 21 years | $12,576 |
| 23 years | $15,135 |
| 25 years | $17,694 |
Top Solar Installers in South St. Paul
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 South St. Paul
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South St. Paul
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in South St. Paul: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South St. Paul homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South St. Paul is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,461 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,600 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,897 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,354 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,970 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,744 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,678 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,771 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 South St. Paul, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South St. Paul?
The average cost of solar panels in South St. Paul 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in South St. Paul?
Solar panels aren't free in South St. Paul, 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.