Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Bear, MN (2024 Update)

  • White Bear Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,385
  • Payback Period: 14.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 Bear

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in White Bear.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in White Bear typically cost about 4.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in White Bear, the average price of going solar will be about $20,356 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in White Bear find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in White Bear, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in White Bear

YearReturn 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 White Bear

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

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 White Bear:

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 Bear

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Bear

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in White Bear: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many White Bear homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in White Bear, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$12,10714.8 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$16,59414.5 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$21,30614.2 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$26,24514.0 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$31,40913.7 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$36,79813.4 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$42,41413.1 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$48,25512.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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 Bear, MN Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in White Bear is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in White Bear?

You can’t get solar panels for free in White Bear. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually 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.