Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hutchinson, MN (2024 Update)
- Hutchinson Solar Installation Cost: $20,002
- 25-Year Savings: $18,054
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hutchinson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hutchinson.
The average cost of a solar system in Hutchinson is 4 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Hutchinson, the average price of going solar will be about $20,002 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Hutchinson depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hutchinson find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Hutchinson for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hutchinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,722 |
| 3 years | $-16,164 |
| 5 years | $-13,605 |
| 7 years | $-11,046 |
| 9 years | $-8,487 |
| 11 years | $-5,928 |
| 13 years | $-3,369 |
| 15 years | $-810 |
| 17 years | $1,749 |
| 19 years | $4,308 |
| 21 years | $6,866 |
| 23 years | $9,425 |
| 25 years | $11,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Hutchinson
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Hutchinson:
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 Hutchinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hutchinson
The cost of installing a solar system in Hutchinson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hutchinson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hutchinson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Hutchinson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,603 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,255 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,133 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $21,237 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $25,566 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $30,121 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $34,902 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $39,908 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Hutchinson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Hutchinson, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hutchinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Hutchinson 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hutchinson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits 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 eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hutchinson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.