Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Branch, MN (2024 Update)
- North Branch Solar Installation Cost: $20,377
- 25-Year Savings: $24,004
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Branch
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Branch.
In North Branch, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in North Branch is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,377 for a solar installation, or $29,139 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in North Branch based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average North Branch homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Branch
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,098 |
| 3 years | $-16,539 |
| 5 years | $-13,980 |
| 7 years | $-11,421 |
| 9 years | $-8,862 |
| 11 years | $-6,304 |
| 13 years | $-3,745 |
| 15 years | $-1,186 |
| 17 years | $1,373 |
| 19 years | $3,932 |
| 21 years | $6,491 |
| 23 years | $9,050 |
| 25 years | $11,609 |
Top Solar Installers in North Branch
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 North Branch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Branch
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in North Branch, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in North Branch offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. North Branch’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,263 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $19,468 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $24,900 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $30,557 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $36,439 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $42,548 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $48,882 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $55,441 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 North Branch, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Branch?
The average cost of solar panels in North Branch is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Branch?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
Does North Branch have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces 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?
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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.