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.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Zimmerman, the average price of going solar will be about $20,198 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Zimmerman homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Zimmerman can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Zimmerman that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Zimmerman, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Zimmerman: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 $4,030.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Zimmerman to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Zimmerman’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 a large number of companies available in Zimmerman, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Zimmerman?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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 get 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.