Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vadnais Heights, MN (2023 Update)
- Vadnais Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,345
- 25-Year Savings: $21,861
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vadnais Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vadnais Heights.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Vadnais Heights is 2.84 per watt. The average Vadnais Heights 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see 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 | $-13,066 |
| 3 years | $-10,507 |
| 5 years | $-7,948 |
| 7 years | $-5,389 |
| 9 years | $-2,830 |
| 11 years | $-271 |
| 13 years | $2,288 |
| 15 years | $4,847 |
| 17 years | $7,406 |
| 19 years | $9,964 |
| 21 years | $12,523 |
| 23 years | $15,082 |
| 25 years | $17,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Vadnais Heights
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Vadnais Heights:
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 Vadnais Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vadnais Heights
Although the average cost of a solar system in Vadnais Heights is $14,353, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 about $2,840 per kilowatt in Vadnais Heights. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Vadnais Heights, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 installers in Vadnais Heights offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Vadnais Heights homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Vadnais Heights, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Vadnais Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $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 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 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.