Solar Panel Cost Guide in Minnehaha, WA (2024 Update)
- Minnehaha Solar Installation Cost: $11,156
- 25-Year Savings: $10,470
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Minnehaha
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Minnehaha.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Minnehaha generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $11,156 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Minnehaha based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Minnehaha can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Minnehaha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-7,878 |
| 5 years | $-5,692 |
| 7 years | $-3,507 |
| 9 years | $-1,321 |
| 11 years | $864 |
| 13 years | $3,049 |
| 15 years | $5,235 |
| 17 years | $7,420 |
| 19 years | $9,606 |
| 21 years | $11,791 |
| 23 years | $13,977 |
| 25 years | $16,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Minnehaha
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Minnehaha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Minnehaha
The cost of installing a solar system in Minnehaha can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Minnehaha homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Minnehaha is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $9,648 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,267 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,086 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,106 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,328 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,750 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,373 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,198 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Minnehaha, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Minnehaha?
The average cost of solar panels in Minnehaha is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Minnehaha?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Minnehaha. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Minnehaha?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.