Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradford, MN (2024 Update)
- Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $20,229
- 25-Year Savings: $23,718
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradford
We go over average solar pricing in Bradford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bradford, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bradford, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,229, or $28,927 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Bradford based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Bradford can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,958 |
| 3 years | $-16,416 |
| 5 years | $-13,874 |
| 7 years | $-11,332 |
| 9 years | $-8,790 |
| 11 years | $-6,248 |
| 13 years | $-3,706 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,378 |
| 19 years | $3,920 |
| 21 years | $6,462 |
| 23 years | $9,004 |
| 25 years | $11,546 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bradford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradford
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bradford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bradford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bradford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $14,170 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $19,345 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $24,745 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $30,371 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $36,223 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $42,300 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $48,603 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $55,132 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Bradford, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bradford is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bradford?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bradford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Bradford?
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 larger amount 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.