Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winona, MS (2023 Update)
- Winona Solar Installation Cost: $15,579
- 25-Year Savings: $23,033
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winona
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Winona.
In Winona, solar panels cost about 2.64 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Winona is around 8.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,579 for a solar installation, or $22,278 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Winona find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,034 |
| 3 years | $-10,945 |
| 5 years | $-7,856 |
| 7 years | $-4,767 |
| 9 years | $-1,678 |
| 11 years | $1,410 |
| 13 years | $4,499 |
| 15 years | $7,588 |
| 17 years | $10,677 |
| 19 years | $13,766 |
| 21 years | $16,855 |
| 23 years | $19,944 |
| 25 years | $23,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Winona
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Winona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winona
For many Winona homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winona, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Winona, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Winona, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Winona to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Winona, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Winona know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $15,958 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $21,573 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $27,335 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $33,246 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $39,304 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $45,511 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $51,865 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $58,367 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Winona, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winona?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Winona?
Solar panels aren't free in Winona, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Winona?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Winona?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.