Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augusta, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $20,049
- 25-Year Savings: $18,371
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Augusta
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in St. Augusta.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Augusta it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $20,049 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in St. Augusta based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average St. Augusta homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in St. Augusta for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,770 |
| 3 years | $-16,211 |
| 5 years | $-13,652 |
| 7 years | $-11,093 |
| 9 years | $-8,534 |
| 11 years | $-5,975 |
| 13 years | $-3,417 |
| 15 years | $-858 |
| 17 years | $1,701 |
| 19 years | $4,260 |
| 21 years | $6,819 |
| 23 years | $9,378 |
| 25 years | $11,937 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Augusta
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 St. Augusta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augusta
For many St. Augusta homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Augusta, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Augusta, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,834 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,564 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,519 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $21,699 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,106 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $30,738 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $35,596 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $40,679 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 St. Augusta, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Augusta?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in St. Augusta?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Augusta. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout St. Augusta, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in St. Augusta?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.