Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Bear Lake, MN (2023 Update)
- White Bear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $22,062
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Bear Lake
See how much it might cost to go solar in White Bear Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Bear Lake, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in White Bear Lake is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,353 for a solar installation, or $20,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in White Bear Lake find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in White Bear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,897 |
| 3 years | $-9,984 |
| 5 years | $-7,070 |
| 7 years | $-4,157 |
| 9 years | $-1,244 |
| 11 years | $1,669 |
| 13 years | $4,583 |
| 15 years | $7,496 |
| 17 years | $10,409 |
| 19 years | $13,322 |
| 21 years | $16,236 |
| 23 years | $19,149 |
| 25 years | $22,062 |
Top Solar Installers in White Bear Lake
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in White Bear Lake, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,840 per kilowatt in White Bear Lake. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the White Bear Lake average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in White Bear Lake have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. White Bear Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $17,864 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,137 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,569 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $37,160 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $43,909 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $50,818 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $57,886 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $65,113 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in White Bear Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Bear Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 cover 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.