Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zimmerman, MN (2024 Update)
- Zimmerman Solar Installation Cost: $20,198
- 25-Year Savings: $21,274
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zimmerman
We break down average solar pricing in Zimmerman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zimmerman it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Zimmerman is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,198 for a solar installation, or $28,883 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Zimmerman depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Zimmerman find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Zimmerman, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zimmerman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,936 |
| 3 years | $-16,411 |
| 5 years | $-13,885 |
| 7 years | $-11,360 |
| 9 years | $-8,835 |
| 11 years | $-6,310 |
| 13 years | $-3,785 |
| 15 years | $-1,260 |
| 17 years | $1,265 |
| 19 years | $3,790 |
| 21 years | $6,315 |
| 23 years | $8,840 |
| 25 years | $11,365 |
Top Solar Installers in Zimmerman
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Zimmerman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zimmerman
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 nearly $4,030. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Zimmerman, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Zimmerman homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Zimmerman is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,152 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,654 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,382 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,335 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,514 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,919 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,550 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,406 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Zimmerman, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zimmerman?
The average cost of solar panels in Zimmerman 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Zimmerman?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.