Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, MN (2024 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $20,046
- 25-Year Savings: $17,142
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
We go over average solar pricing in Litchfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Litchfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Litchfield homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,046 with the federal tax credit, or $28,666 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Litchfield see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Litchfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,767 |
| 3 years | $-16,208 |
| 5 years | $-13,649 |
| 7 years | $-11,090 |
| 9 years | $-8,531 |
| 11 years | $-5,972 |
| 13 years | $-3,413 |
| 15 years | $-854 |
| 17 years | $1,705 |
| 19 years | $4,263 |
| 21 years | $6,822 |
| 23 years | $9,381 |
| 25 years | $11,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Litchfield, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Litchfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Litchfield.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Litchfield provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Litchfield homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Litchfield, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $8,798 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $12,183 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $15,792 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $19,628 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $23,689 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $27,976 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $32,488 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $37,227 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates 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 Litchfield, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Litchfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Litchfield 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Litchfield have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Litchfield?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.