Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zimmerman, MN (Mar 2023)
- Zimmerman Solar Installation Cost: $14,234
- 25-Year Savings: $21,274
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zimmerman
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Zimmerman.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Zimmerman generally cost about 2.84. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Zimmerman, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,234, or $20,355 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Zimmerman can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zimmerman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,814 |
| 3 years | $-9,973 |
| 5 years | $-7,133 |
| 7 years | $-4,292 |
| 9 years | $-1,451 |
| 11 years | $1,389 |
| 13 years | $4,230 |
| 15 years | $7,071 |
| 17 years | $9,911 |
| 19 years | $12,752 |
| 21 years | $15,592 |
| 23 years | $18,433 |
| 25 years | $21,274 |
Top Solar Installers in Zimmerman
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Zimmerman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zimmerman
While the average cost of a solar system in Zimmerman is $14,234, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Zimmerman, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Zimmerman, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Zimmerman, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $17,350 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $23,451 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $29,712 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $36,131 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $42,710 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $49,448 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $56,344 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $63,400 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past 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 Zimmerman, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zimmerman?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Zimmerman?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $991.84 per year.
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 amount of 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 buy 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.