Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Paul, MN (2023 Update)
- St Paul Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $21,517
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Paul
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in St Paul.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St Paul is 2.84 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in St Paul, the average price of going solar will be about $14,353 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St Paul homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in St Paul for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Paul
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,919 |
| 3 years | $-10,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,179 |
| 7 years | $-4,310 |
| 9 years | $-1,440 |
| 11 years | $1,429 |
| 13 years | $4,299 |
| 15 years | $7,169 |
| 17 years | $10,038 |
| 19 years | $12,908 |
| 21 years | $15,777 |
| 23 years | $18,647 |
| 25 years | $21,517 |
Top Solar Installers in St Paul
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Paul
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Paul
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,840. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St Paul average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St Paul is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 down 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,421 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,546 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,830 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,273 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,875 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,636 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,557 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,636 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in St Paul, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Paul, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St Paul?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St Paul?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does St Paul have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.