Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Francis, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Francis Solar Installation Cost: $20,240
- 25-Year Savings: $22,200
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Francis
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Francis.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Francis is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,240 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average St. Francis homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Francis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,971 |
| 3 years | $-16,432 |
| 5 years | $-13,894 |
| 7 years | $-11,355 |
| 9 years | $-8,816 |
| 11 years | $-6,278 |
| 13 years | $-3,739 |
| 15 years | $-1,201 |
| 17 years | $1,338 |
| 19 years | $3,877 |
| 21 years | $6,415 |
| 23 years | $8,954 |
| 25 years | $11,492 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Francis
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in St. Francis, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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. Francis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Francis
For many St. Francis homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Francis, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in St. Francis, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Francis to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Francis, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,890 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,638 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $22,611 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,811 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $33,235 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $38,886 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $44,762 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $50,864 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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. Francis, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Francis?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Francis?
Solar panels aren’t free in St. Francis, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St. Francis, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get 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.