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

  • Minnetrista Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,445
  • Payback Period: 15.0 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 Minnetrista

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Minnetrista.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Minnetrista it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Minnetrista, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,316, or $29,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Minnetrista find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Minnetrista for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Minnetrista

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 Minnetrista

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Minnetrista:

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 Minnetrista

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Minnetrista

For many Minnetrista homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Minnetrista, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in Minnetrista.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Minnetrista, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Minnetrista, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Minnetrista, you’ll have a great number of 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 $10,525 15.6 years
8 kW $4.11 $23,019 $14,484 15.3 years
10 kW $4.03 $28,210 $18,669 15.0 years
12 kW $3.95 $33,175 $23,080 14.7 years
14 kW $3.87 $37,914 $27,717 14.4 years
16 kW $3.79 $42,428 $32,579 14.1 years
18 kW $3.71 $46,716 $37,667 13.8 years
20 kW $3.63 $50,778 $42,981 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.

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 Minnetrista, MN Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Minnetrista?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in Minnetrista?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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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