Solar Panel Cost Guide in Perham, MN (2024 Update)
- Perham Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $14,766
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Perham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Perham.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Perham is 4 per watt.The average Perham homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,137 with the federal tax credit, or $28,796 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Perham see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Perham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Perham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,174 |
| 3 years | $-17,250 |
| 5 years | $-15,325 |
| 7 years | $-13,400 |
| 9 years | $-11,476 |
| 11 years | $-9,551 |
| 13 years | $-7,627 |
| 15 years | $-5,702 |
| 17 years | $-3,777 |
| 19 years | $-1,853 |
| 21 years | $72 |
| 23 years | $1,996 |
| 25 years | $3,921 |
Top Solar Installers in Perham
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Perham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Perham
For many Perham homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Perham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Perham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Perham to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Perham’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $6,737 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $9,434 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $12,356 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $15,505 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $18,879 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $22,478 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $26,304 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $30,355 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Perham, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Perham?
The average cost of solar panels in Perham 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Perham?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Perham, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Perham?
Solar panels can be a great 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 electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.