Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota Heights, MN (2024 Update)
- Mendota Heights 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 Mendota Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mendota Heights.
The average cost of solar panels in Mendota Heights is 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mendota Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $20,281 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Mendota Heights for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Mendota Heights
| 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 Mendota Heights
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Mendota Heights:
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 Mendota Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mendota Heights
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Mendota Heights, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mendota Heights, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mendota Heights is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Mendota Heights are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Mendota Heights, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mendota Heights?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mendota Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Mendota Heights?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.