Solar Panel Cost Guide in St James, MN (2023 Update)
- St James Solar Installation Cost: $14,115
- 25-Year Savings: $16,272
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St James
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in St James.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St James typically cost around 2.84. The average St James homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,115 with the federal tax credit, or $20,184 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in St James can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St James
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,899 |
| 3 years | $-10,468 |
| 5 years | $-8,037 |
| 7 years | $-5,606 |
| 9 years | $-3,175 |
| 11 years | $-745 |
| 13 years | $1,686 |
| 15 years | $4,117 |
| 17 years | $6,548 |
| 19 years | $8,979 |
| 21 years | $11,410 |
| 23 years | $13,841 |
| 25 years | $16,272 |
Top Solar Installers in St James
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in St James:
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 James
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St James
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in St James: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many St James homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. St James' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,265 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $18,004 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $22,903 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $27,960 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $33,177 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $38,553 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $44,088 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $49,782 | 10.5 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 James, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St James?
The average cost of solar panels in St James 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in St James?
You can't get solar panels for free in St James. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in St James?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.