Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Francis, MN (2023 Update)
- St. Francis Solar Installation Cost: $14,264
- 25-Year Savings: $22,200
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Francis
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in St. Francis.
In St. Francis, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average St. Francis homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,254 with the federal tax credit, or $20,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average St. Francis homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in St. Francis for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St. Francis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,994 |
| 3 years | $-10,456 |
| 5 years | $-7,917 |
| 7 years | $-5,378 |
| 9 years | $-2,840 |
| 11 years | $-301 |
| 13 years | $2,237 |
| 15 years | $4,776 |
| 17 years | $7,315 |
| 19 years | $9,853 |
| 21 years | $12,392 |
| 23 years | $14,930 |
| 25 years | $17,469 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Francis
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 St. Francis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Francis
While the average cost of a solar system in St. Francis is $14,254, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,840 per kilowatt in St. Francis. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Francis, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Francis, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Francis is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in St. Francis know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,088 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,435 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,941 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $37,607 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $44,431 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $51,414 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $58,557 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $65,858 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion 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 St. Francis, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Francis?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Francis?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does St. Francis have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.