Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Joseph, MN (2023 Update)
- St Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $14,135
- 25-Year Savings: $18,937
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Joseph
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in St Joseph.
In St Joseph, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in St Joseph, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,135, or $20,213 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St Joseph can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St Joseph
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,812 |
| 3 years | $-10,166 |
| 5 years | $-7,520 |
| 7 years | $-4,875 |
| 9 years | $-2,229 |
| 11 years | $417 |
| 13 years | $3,062 |
| 15 years | $5,708 |
| 17 years | $8,354 |
| 19 years | $10,999 |
| 21 years | $13,645 |
| 23 years | $16,291 |
| 25 years | $18,937 |
Top Solar Installers in St Joseph
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in St Joseph:
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 Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Joseph
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St Joseph is $14,135, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,840. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St Joseph average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in St Joseph offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. St Joseph's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $15,514 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,003 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,652 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,459 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $38,426 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $44,551 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $50,836 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $57,279 | 9.6 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Joseph, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St Joseph?
The average cost of solar panels in St Joseph 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St Joseph?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does St Joseph have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.