Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Cloud, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Cloud Solar Installation Cost: $20,133
- 25-Year Savings: $20,338
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Cloud
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in St. Cloud.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Cloud generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $20,133 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Cloud see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Cloud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,853 |
| 3 years | $-16,295 |
| 5 years | $-13,736 |
| 7 years | $-11,177 |
| 9 years | $-8,618 |
| 11 years | $-6,059 |
| 13 years | $-3,500 |
| 15 years | $-941 |
| 17 years | $1,618 |
| 19 years | $4,177 |
| 21 years | $6,736 |
| 23 years | $9,294 |
| 25 years | $11,853 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Cloud
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in St. Cloud:
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. Cloud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Cloud
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Cloud can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Cloud, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Cloud is the company you hire 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 provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,423 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,682 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $20,167 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $24,878 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $29,814 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $34,976 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $40,363 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $45,976 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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. Cloud, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Cloud?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Cloud is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in St. Cloud?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Cloud. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in St. Cloud?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.