Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Paul Park, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Paul Park Solar Installation Cost: $20,370
- 25-Year Savings: $21,431
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Paul Park
We break down average solar pricing in St. Paul Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Paul Park it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in St. Paul Park is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,370 for a solar installation, or $29,129 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Paul Park homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Paul Park find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Paul Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,090 |
| 3 years | $-16,531 |
| 5 years | $-13,973 |
| 7 years | $-11,414 |
| 9 years | $-8,855 |
| 11 years | $-6,296 |
| 13 years | $-3,737 |
| 15 years | $-1,178 |
| 17 years | $1,381 |
| 19 years | $3,940 |
| 21 years | $6,499 |
| 23 years | $9,058 |
| 25 years | $11,616 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Paul Park
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Paul Park
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in St. Paul Park: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $4,030.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout St. Paul Park, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. Paul Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,133 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,628 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,350 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,297 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,469 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,867 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,491 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,341 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Park, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Paul Park?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Paul Park is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Paul Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 Park have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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.
How long do solar panels last in St. Paul Park?
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 higher 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.