Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bloomington, MN (2024 Update)
- Bloomington Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
- 25-Year Savings: $21,469
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bloomington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bloomington.
In Bloomington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bloomington, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,316, or $29,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bloomington homeowner. 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.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bloomington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bloomington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,037 |
| 3 years | $-16,478 |
| 5 years | $-13,919 |
| 7 years | $-11,360 |
| 9 years | $-8,801 |
| 11 years | $-6,242 |
| 13 years | $-3,684 |
| 15 years | $-1,125 |
| 17 years | $1,434 |
| 19 years | $3,993 |
| 21 years | $6,552 |
| 23 years | $9,111 |
| 25 years | $11,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Bloomington
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bloomington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bloomington
The cost of installing a solar system in Bloomington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Bloomington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bloomington, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Bloomington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bloomington know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $12,211 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,733 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,480 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,453 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,652 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,076 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,726 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,602 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Bloomington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Bloomington, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bloomington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bloomington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $993.80 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.