Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waseca, MN (2024 Update)
- Waseca Solar Installation Cost: $20,151
- 25-Year Savings: $21,290
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waseca
We go over average solar pricing in Waseca.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waseca it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $20,151 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waseca find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Waseca for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Waseca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,871 |
| 3 years | $-16,312 |
| 5 years | $-13,754 |
| 7 years | $-11,195 |
| 9 years | $-8,636 |
| 11 years | $-6,077 |
| 13 years | $-3,518 |
| 15 years | $-959 |
| 17 years | $1,600 |
| 19 years | $4,159 |
| 21 years | $6,718 |
| 23 years | $9,276 |
| 25 years | $11,835 |
Top Solar Installers in Waseca
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Waseca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waseca
For many Waseca homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waseca, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 $4,030 per kilowatt in Waseca.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Waseca, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Waseca homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,208 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,729 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,475 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,447 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,645 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,068 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,717 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,592 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion 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
EcoWatch's Waseca, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waseca?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Waseca?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Waseca. 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 Waseca?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Waseca?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.