Solar Panel Cost Guide in White, MN (2023 Update)

  • White Solar Installation Cost: $15,142
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,765
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 White

Here's how much it might cost to go solar in White.

In White, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in White, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,149, or $21,663 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember 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 solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in White can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in White for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in White

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,026
3 years $-14,793
5 years $-14,561
7 years $-14,328
9 years $-14,095
11 years $-13,862
13 years $-13,630
15 years $-13,397
17 years $-13,164
19 years $-12,931
21 years $-12,699
23 years $-12,466
25 years $-12,233

Top Solar Installers in White

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 White

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White

For many White homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in White, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in White, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many White homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for White 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout White, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 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 $2.95 $12,405 $15,092 11.3 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $20,441 11.1 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $25,949 10.8 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $31,616 10.6 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $37,442 10.4 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $43,427 10.2 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $49,571 10.0 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $55,874 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • 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 installation process.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 White, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White?

The average cost of solar panels in White is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in White?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does White have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 White?

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 level 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.

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