Solar Panel Cost Guide in Circle Pines, MN (2024 Update)
- Circle Pines Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
- 25-Year Savings: $21,376
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Circle Pines
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Circle Pines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Circle Pines it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Circle Pines homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Circle Pines for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Circle Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,972 |
| 3 years | $-16,413 |
| 5 years | $-13,854 |
| 7 years | $-11,295 |
| 9 years | $-8,736 |
| 11 years | $-6,177 |
| 13 years | $-3,618 |
| 15 years | $-1,060 |
| 17 years | $1,499 |
| 19 years | $4,058 |
| 21 years | $6,617 |
| 23 years | $9,176 |
| 25 years | $11,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Circle Pines
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various 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 Circle Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Circle Pines
For many Circle Pines homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Circle Pines, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Circle Pines, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Circle Pines provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Circle Pines is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $12,190 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,705 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,446 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,412 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,604 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,021 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,665 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,534 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Circle Pines, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Circle Pines?
The average cost of solar panels in Circle Pines 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 things 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 certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Circle Pines is currently $300,933, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,338 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Circle Pines is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Circle Pines?
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 once you've had 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.