Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vadnais Heights, MN (2024 Update)
- Vadnais Heights Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
- 25-Year Savings: $21,861
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vadnais Heights
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vadnais Heights.
In Vadnais Heights, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Vadnais Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $20,356 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Vadnais Heights depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vadnais Heights see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vadnais Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,076 |
| 3 years | $-16,518 |
| 5 years | $-13,959 |
| 7 years | $-11,400 |
| 9 years | $-8,841 |
| 11 years | $-6,282 |
| 13 years | $-3,723 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,395 |
| 19 years | $3,954 |
| 21 years | $6,513 |
| 23 years | $9,071 |
| 25 years | $11,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Vadnais Heights
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Vadnais Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Vadnais Heights, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more 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. Also, 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 companies in Vadnais Heights offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Vadnais Heights are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $12,502 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,121 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,965 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,035 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $32,331 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,852 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $43,599 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $49,572 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 $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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 contact 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 need to know 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 household 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.