Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zumbrota, MN (2023 Update)
- Zumbrota Solar Installation Cost: $14,353
- 25-Year Savings: $20,645
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zumbrota
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Zumbrota.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Zumbrota, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Zumbrota, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,353, or $20,525 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Zumbrota homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Zumbrota that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Zumbrota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,953 |
| 3 years | $-10,154 |
| 5 years | $-7,354 |
| 7 years | $-4,554 |
| 9 years | $-1,754 |
| 11 years | $1,046 |
| 13 years | $3,846 |
| 15 years | $6,646 |
| 17 years | $9,446 |
| 19 years | $12,246 |
| 21 years | $15,045 |
| 23 years | $17,845 |
| 25 years | $20,645 |
Top Solar Installers in Zumbrota
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Zumbrota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zumbrota
For many Zumbrota homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Zumbrota, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,840. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Most solar companies in Zumbrota offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Zumbrota homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Zumbrota's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Zumbrota are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $16,699 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,583 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $28,627 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $34,829 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $41,190 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $47,711 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $54,390 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $61,229 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total 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, such as:
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Zumbrota, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zumbrota?
The average cost of solar panels in Zumbrota is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Zumbrota?
A solar panel system isn't free in Zumbrota, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Zumbrota?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.