Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hopkins, MN (2024 Update)
- Hopkins Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
- 25-Year Savings: $11,670
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hopkins
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hopkins.
The average cost of solar panels in Hopkins is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hopkins, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,316, or $29,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hopkins homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Hopkins homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Hopkins for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hopkins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,037 |
| 3 years | $-16,478 |
| 5 years | $-13,919 |
| 7 years | $-11,360 |
| 9 years | $-8,801 |
| 11 years | $-6,242 |
| 13 years | $-3,684 |
| 15 years | $-1,125 |
| 17 years | $1,434 |
| 19 years | $3,993 |
| 21 years | $6,552 |
| 23 years | $9,111 |
| 25 years | $11,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Hopkins
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hopkins:
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 Hopkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hopkins
The cost of installing a solar system in Hopkins can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,030. The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hopkins average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hopkins, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,211 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,733 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,480 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,453 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,652 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $37,076 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,726 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,602 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Hopkins, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hopkins?
The average cost of solar panels in Hopkins 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Hopkins?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 after having 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.