Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stewartville, MN (Mar 2023)
- Stewartville Solar Installation Cost: $14,333
- 25-Year Savings: $22,637
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stewartville
We go over average solar pricing in Stewartville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stewartville it's 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,333 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Stewartville can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Stewartville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stewartville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,855 |
| 3 years | $-9,897 |
| 5 years | $-6,939 |
| 7 years | $-3,982 |
| 9 years | $-1,024 |
| 11 years | $1,933 |
| 13 years | $4,891 |
| 15 years | $7,849 |
| 17 years | $10,806 |
| 19 years | $13,764 |
| 21 years | $16,721 |
| 23 years | $19,679 |
| 25 years | $22,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Stewartville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Stewartville:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Stewartville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stewartville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Stewartville: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Stewartville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stewartville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $18,356 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,793 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $31,389 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $38,144 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $45,058 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $52,131 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $59,363 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $66,754 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Stewartville, 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:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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
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
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 $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stewartville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Stewartville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Stewartville?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.