Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stillwater, MN (2023 Update)
- Stillwater Solar Installation Cost: $14,355
- 25-Year Savings: $21,431
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stillwater
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Stillwater.
In Stillwater, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average Stillwater homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,353 with the federal tax credit, or $20,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Stillwater homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Stillwater can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Stillwater, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stillwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,075 |
| 3 years | $-10,517 |
| 5 years | $-7,958 |
| 7 years | $-5,399 |
| 9 years | $-2,840 |
| 11 years | $-281 |
| 13 years | $2,278 |
| 15 years | $4,837 |
| 17 years | $7,396 |
| 19 years | $9,955 |
| 21 years | $12,514 |
| 23 years | $15,072 |
| 25 years | $17,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Stillwater
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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 Stillwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stillwater
The cost of installing a solar system in Stillwater can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Stillwater, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Stillwater homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Stillwater's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $17,331 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,426 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,680 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,093 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,665 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,396 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,286 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,335 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Stillwater, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stillwater?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Stillwater?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stillwater. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Stillwater?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.