Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Bear Lake, MN (2024 Update)
- White Bear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $20,363
- 25-Year Savings: $22,066
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Bear Lake
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in White Bear Lake.
In White Bear Lake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,363 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in White Bear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,083 |
| 3 years | $-16,524 |
| 5 years | $-13,966 |
| 7 years | $-11,407 |
| 9 years | $-8,848 |
| 11 years | $-6,289 |
| 13 years | $-3,730 |
| 15 years | $-1,171 |
| 17 years | $1,388 |
| 19 years | $3,947 |
| 21 years | $6,506 |
| 23 years | $9,064 |
| 25 years | $11,623 |
Top Solar Installers in White Bear Lake
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 White Bear Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Bear Lake
The cost of installing a solar system in White Bear Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in White Bear Lake offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in White Bear Lake, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,666 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,340 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $22,239 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,364 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $32,714 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $38,290 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $44,092 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $50,119 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in White Bear Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read through 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 cost.
- Installation Process: Get details 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 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 White Bear Lake, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Bear Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in White Bear Lake?
Solar panels aren’t free in White Bear Lake, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout White Bear Lake, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.