Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crookston, MN (2024 Update)
- Crookston Solar Installation Cost: $20,405
- 25-Year Savings: $17,695
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crookston
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Crookston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Crookston, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,405 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Crookston based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
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 Crookston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,443 |
| 3 years | $-17,518 |
| 5 years | $-15,593 |
| 7 years | $-13,669 |
| 9 years | $-11,744 |
| 11 years | $-9,819 |
| 13 years | $-7,895 |
| 15 years | $-5,970 |
| 17 years | $-4,046 |
| 19 years | $-2,121 |
| 21 years | $-196 |
| 23 years | $1,728 |
| 25 years | $3,653 |
Top Solar Installers in Crookston
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Crookston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crookston
The cost of installing a solar system in Crookston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Crookston, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Crookston is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,003 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $12,455 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $16,133 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $20,036 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $24,165 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $28,520 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $33,101 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $37,907 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire 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 Crookston, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Crookston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.