Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Paul, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Paul Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
- 25-Year Savings: $21,525
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Paul
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Paul.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Paul it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in St. Paul, the average price of going solar will be about $20,356 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Paul
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,076 |
| 3 years | $-16,518 |
| 5 years | $-13,959 |
| 7 years | $-11,400 |
| 9 years | $-8,841 |
| 11 years | $-6,282 |
| 13 years | $-3,723 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,395 |
| 19 years | $3,954 |
| 21 years | $6,513 |
| 23 years | $9,071 |
| 25 years | $11,630 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Paul
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in St. Paul
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Paul
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in St. Paul.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just 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 significant investment. That’s why many St. Paul homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. St. Paul’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,223 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,749 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,500 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,477 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,680 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,108 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,762 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,642 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's St. Paul, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Paul?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Paul 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does St. Paul have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in St. Paul?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.