Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Charles, MN (2023 Update)
- St. Charles Solar Installation Cost: $14,435
- 25-Year Savings: $22,141
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Charles
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Charles.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Charles it's 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in St. Charles is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,433 for a solar installation, or $20,639 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Charles homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average St. Charles homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Charles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,313 |
| 3 years | $-14,069 |
| 5 years | $-13,825 |
| 7 years | $-13,581 |
| 9 years | $-13,337 |
| 11 years | $-13,093 |
| 13 years | $-12,850 |
| 15 years | $-12,606 |
| 17 years | $-12,362 |
| 19 years | $-12,118 |
| 21 years | $-11,874 |
| 23 years | $-11,630 |
| 25 years | $-11,387 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Charles
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in St. Charles, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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. Charles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Charles
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,840. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Charles, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many St. Charles homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for St. Charles homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Charles is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,819 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,076 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,493 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $37,069 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $43,804 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $50,698 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $57,750 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $64,962 | 8.9 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: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry 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 rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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. Charles, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Charles?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Charles is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Charles?
You can't get solar panels for free in St. Charles. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Charles?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.