Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moorhead, MN (2024 Update)
- Moorhead Solar Installation Cost: $20,239
- 25-Year Savings: $18,829
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moorhead
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Moorhead.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Moorhead it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Moorhead is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,239 for a solar installation, or $28,942 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Moorhead depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Moorhead find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Moorhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,125 |
| 3 years | $-16,898 |
| 5 years | $-14,671 |
| 7 years | $-12,444 |
| 9 years | $-10,217 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,763 |
| 15 years | $-3,535 |
| 17 years | $-1,308 |
| 19 years | $919 |
| 21 years | $3,146 |
| 23 years | $5,373 |
| 25 years | $7,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Moorhead
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Moorhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moorhead
The cost of installing a solar system in Moorhead can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Moorhead, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Moorhead, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Moorhead homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Moorhead is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,071 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,880 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,914 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,174 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,659 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,371 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,308 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $41,470 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Moorhead, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
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 Moorhead, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moorhead?
The average cost of solar panels in Moorhead 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 certain factors 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 Moorhead?
Solar panels aren’t free in Moorhead, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Moorhead?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 get 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.