Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, MN (2024 Update)

  • Independence Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,938
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Independence

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Independence.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Independence typically cost about 4.The average Independence homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,316 with the federal tax credit, or $29,052 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Independence that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Independence

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 Independence

Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Independence

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Independence, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Independence, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Independence, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $10,102 15.9 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $13,921 15.6 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $17,965 15.3 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $22,235 15.0 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $26,731 14.7 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $31,452 14.4 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $36,400 14.1 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $41,572 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Independence, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Independence?

The average cost of solar panels in Independence 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.

Can you get solar panels for free in Independence?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Independence. 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 Independence have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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