Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waite Park, MN (2025 Update)

  • Waite Park Solar Installation Cost: $20,049
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,925
  • Payback Period: 14.7 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waite Park

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Waite Park.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waite Park, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Waite Park homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,049 with the federal tax credit, or $28,670 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waite Park find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Waite Park, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Waite Park

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,770
3 years$-16,211
5 years$-13,652
7 years$-11,093
9 years$-8,534
11 years$-5,975
13 years$-3,417
15 years$-858
17 years$1,701
19 years$4,260
21 years$6,819
23 years$9,378
25 years$11,937

Top Solar Installers in Waite Park

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Waite Park, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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See all of the solar companies in Waite Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waite Park

The cost of installing a solar system in Waite Park 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,030. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Waite Park, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Waite Park, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$11,14615.3 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$15,31315.0 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$19,70514.7 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$24,32314.4 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$29,16714.1 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$34,23613.8 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$39,53113.5 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$45,05213.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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EcoWatch's Waite Park, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waite Park?

The average cost of solar panels in Waite Park 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Waite Park?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Waite Park, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Waite Park?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Waite Park?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.