Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vadnais Heights, MN (Mar 2023)
- Vadnais Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $21,852
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vadnais Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Vadnais Heights.
The average cost of a solar system in Vadnais Heights is 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,353 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Vadnais Heights homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vadnais Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,905 |
| 3 years | $-10,009 |
| 5 years | $-7,112 |
| 7 years | $-4,216 |
| 9 years | $-1,319 |
| 11 years | $1,577 |
| 13 years | $4,474 |
| 15 years | $7,370 |
| 17 years | $10,267 |
| 19 years | $13,163 |
| 21 years | $16,059 |
| 23 years | $18,956 |
| 25 years | $21,852 |
Top Solar Installers in Vadnais Heights
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vadnais Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vadnais Heights
There are several criteria that can affect 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,840 per kilowatt in Vadnais Heights. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vadnais Heights to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Vadnais Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 | $17,700 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,918 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,295 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,831 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $43,526 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $50,381 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $57,394 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $64,566 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Vadnais Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Vadnais Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vadnais Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Vadnais Heights is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 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.
Are solar panels free in Vadnais Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Vadnais Heights. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Vadnais Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.