Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eagan, MN (2024 Update)
- Eagan Solar Installation Cost: $20,281
- 25-Year Savings: $21,494
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eagan
We go over average solar pricing in Eagan.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Eagan typically cost around 4.The average Eagan homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,281 with the federal tax credit, or $29,002 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Eagan homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Eagan, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eagan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-16,442 |
| 5 years | $-13,883 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-8,766 |
| 11 years | $-6,207 |
| 13 years | $-3,648 |
| 15 years | $-1,089 |
| 17 years | $1,470 |
| 19 years | $4,029 |
| 21 years | $6,588 |
| 23 years | $9,147 |
| 25 years | $11,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Eagan
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Eagan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eagan
Although the average cost of a solar system in Eagan is $20,281, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Eagan, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Eagan homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Eagan’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on 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 | $12,263 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,803 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,567 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,558 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,774 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,216 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,884 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,777 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Eagan, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Eagan, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Eagan?
The average cost of solar panels in Eagan 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Eagan?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Eagan. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Eagan have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Eagan?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.