Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northern, MN (2024 Update)
- Northern Solar Installation Cost: $21,069
- 25-Year Savings: $14,507
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northern
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Northern.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Northern typically cost about 4.The average Northern homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,069 with the federal tax credit, or $30,129 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Northern find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Northern for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Northern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,107 |
| 3 years | $-18,182 |
| 5 years | $-16,258 |
| 7 years | $-14,333 |
| 9 years | $-12,408 |
| 11 years | $-10,484 |
| 13 years | $-8,559 |
| 15 years | $-6,634 |
| 17 years | $-4,710 |
| 19 years | $-2,785 |
| 21 years | $-861 |
| 23 years | $1,064 |
| 25 years | $2,989 |
Top Solar Installers in Northern
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northern
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northern
The cost of installing a solar system in Northern can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on 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 energy system in Northern, one of the most crucial 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 energy bills. Your total 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 better efficiency. In a city like Northern, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northern to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Northern homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Northern’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $5,979 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $8,423 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $11,093 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $13,989 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $17,110 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $20,457 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $24,030 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $27,828 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Northern, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northern?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Northern?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Northern. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Northern, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.