Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bemidji, MN (2024 Update)
- Bemidji Solar Installation Cost: $21,069
- 25-Year Savings: $14,507
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bemidji
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bemidji.
The average cost of a solar system in Bemidji is 4 per watt.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bemidji, the average price of going solar will be about $21,069 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bemidji homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Bemidji homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bemidji that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bemidji
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,939 |
| 3 years | $-17,678 |
| 5 years | $-15,417 |
| 7 years | $-13,157 |
| 9 years | $-10,896 |
| 11 years | $-8,635 |
| 13 years | $-6,375 |
| 15 years | $-4,114 |
| 17 years | $-1,853 |
| 19 years | $407 |
| 21 years | $2,668 |
| 23 years | $4,928 |
| 25 years | $7,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Bemidji
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bemidji
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bemidji
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bemidji is $21,069, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bemidji, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bemidji is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $5,979 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $8,423 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $11,093 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $13,989 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $17,110 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $20,457 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $24,030 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $27,828 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bemidji, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bemidji?
The average cost of solar panels in Bemidji 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Bemidji have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 usage and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.