Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zimmerman, MN (2023 Update)
- Zimmerman Solar Installation Cost: $14,234
- 25-Year Savings: $21,274
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zimmerman
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Zimmerman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zimmerman it's 2.84 per watt. The average Zimmerman homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,234 with the federal tax credit, or $20,355 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Zimmerman can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Zimmerman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,116 |
| 3 years | $-13,879 |
| 5 years | $-13,642 |
| 7 years | $-13,405 |
| 9 years | $-13,169 |
| 11 years | $-12,932 |
| 13 years | $-12,695 |
| 15 years | $-12,459 |
| 17 years | $-12,222 |
| 19 years | $-11,985 |
| 21 years | $-11,748 |
| 23 years | $-11,512 |
| 25 years | $-11,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Zimmerman
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Zimmerman, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Zimmerman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zimmerman
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Zimmerman: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,840 per kilowatt in Zimmerman. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Zimmerman have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make switching to 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Zimmerman is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Zimmerman have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Zimmerman is currently $229,100, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,393 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Zimmerman is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Zimmerman?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.