Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Grove, MN (2024 Update)

  • Cottage Grove Solar Installation Cost: $20,370
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,681
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Grove

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Cottage Grove.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cottage Grove generally cost about 4.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cottage Grove, the average price of going solar will be about $20,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Cottage Grove homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Cottage Grove

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,090
3 years$-16,531
5 years$-13,973
7 years$-11,414
9 years$-8,855
11 years$-6,296
13 years$-3,737
15 years$-1,178
17 years$1,381
19 years$3,940
21 years$6,499
23 years$9,058
25 years$11,616

Top Solar Installers in Cottage Grove

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're searching for a solar company in Cottage Grove, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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See all of the solar companies in Cottage Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottage Grove

For many Cottage Grove homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cottage Grove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Cottage Grove.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cottage Grove, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottage Grove is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$11,50915.1 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$15,79714.8 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$20,31014.5 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$25,04914.2 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$30,01414.0 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$35,20413.7 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$40,62013.4 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$46,26213.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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EcoWatch's Cottage Grove, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottage Grove?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cottage Grove?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $970.40 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 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 install 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.