Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stewartville, MN (2024 Update)

  • Stewartville Solar Installation Cost: $20,342
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,635
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stewartville

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Stewartville.

The average cost of solar panels in Stewartville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Stewartville is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,342 for a solar installation, or $29,089 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Stewartville based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stewartville find going solar has a decent ROI.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stewartville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,967
3 years $-16,216
5 years $-13,465
7 years $-10,714
9 years $-7,963
11 years $-5,213
13 years $-2,462
15 years $289
17 years $3,040
19 years $5,791
21 years $8,541
23 years $11,292
25 years $14,043

Top Solar Installers in Stewartville

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Stewartville:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Stewartville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stewartville

Though the average cost of a solar system in Stewartville is $20,342, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Stewartville, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Stewartville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Stewartville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Stewartville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $13,158 14.3 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $17,996 14.0 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $23,059 13.8 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $28,348 13.5 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $33,863 13.2 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $39,603 12.9 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $45,569 12.7 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $51,760 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Stewartville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Stewartville, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stewartville?

The average cost of solar panels in Stewartville 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.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stewartville?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

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 decreases 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.

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