Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $20,049
- 25-Year Savings: $18,942
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in St. Joseph.
The average cost of a solar system in St. Joseph is 4 per watt.The average St. Joseph homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,049 with the federal tax credit, or $28,670 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in St. Joseph can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Joseph
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,770 |
3 years | $-16,211 |
5 years | $-13,652 |
7 years | $-11,093 |
9 years | $-8,534 |
11 years | $-5,975 |
13 years | $-3,417 |
15 years | $-858 |
17 years | $1,701 |
19 years | $4,260 |
21 years | $6,819 |
23 years | $9,378 |
25 years | $11,937 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Joseph
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in St. Joseph, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in St. Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Joseph
For many St. Joseph homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Joseph, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,030. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in St. Joseph, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Joseph, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,316 | 15.8 years |
8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $14,206 | 15.5 years |
10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $18,322 | 15.2 years |
12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,663 | 14.9 years |
14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $27,230 | 14.6 years |
16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $32,023 | 14.2 years |
18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $37,041 | 13.9 years |
20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $42,285 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's St. Joseph, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Joseph?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Joseph is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model 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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St. Joseph is currently $313,673, which means you can expect a value of about $12,861 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Joseph is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.