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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Francis typically cost about 4.The average St. Francis homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,240 with the federal tax credit, or $28,943 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St. Francis can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in St. Francis, you can 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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in St. Francis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Francis
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Francis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in St. Francis, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for St. Francis 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
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 hire to install your solar panel 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 at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
EcoWatch's St. Francis, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Francis?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Francis 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Francis?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Francis, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate 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 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.