Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willmar, MN (Mar 2023)
- Willmar Solar Installation Cost: $14,055
- 25-Year Savings: $17,444
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willmar
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Willmar.
In Willmar, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average Willmar homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,055 with the federal tax credit, or $20,099 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Willmar find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willmar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,795 |
| 3 years | $-10,275 |
| 5 years | $-7,755 |
| 7 years | $-5,236 |
| 9 years | $-2,716 |
| 11 years | $-196 |
| 13 years | $2,324 |
| 15 years | $4,844 |
| 17 years | $7,364 |
| 19 years | $9,884 |
| 21 years | $12,404 |
| 23 years | $14,924 |
| 25 years | $17,444 |
Top Solar Installers in Willmar
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Willmar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willmar
The cost of installing a solar system in Willmar can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,840. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Willmar average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Willmar, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Willmar's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,328 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $19,422 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $24,675 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $30,087 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $35,658 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $41,388 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $47,277 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $53,326 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on 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: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
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
EcoWatch's Willmar, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willmar?
The average cost of solar panels in Willmar is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Willmar?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.