Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sauk Centre, MN (2024 Update)
- Sauk Centre Solar Installation Cost: $20,049
- 25-Year Savings: $15,912
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sauk Centre
We go over average solar pricing in Sauk Centre.
The average cost of a solar system in Sauk Centre is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sauk Centre is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,049 for a solar installation, or $28,670 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Sauk Centre based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sauk Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,008 |
| 3 years | $-16,925 |
| 5 years | $-14,842 |
| 7 years | $-12,759 |
| 9 years | $-10,676 |
| 11 years | $-8,594 |
| 13 years | $-6,511 |
| 15 years | $-4,428 |
| 17 years | $-2,345 |
| 19 years | $-262 |
| 21 years | $1,821 |
| 23 years | $3,904 |
| 25 years | $5,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Sauk Centre
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Sauk Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sauk Centre
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sauk Centre is $20,049, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,030 per kilowatt in Sauk Centre.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sauk Centre average.
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 Sauk Centre homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $7,758 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $10,795 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $14,058 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $17,547 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $21,261 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $25,201 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $29,367 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $33,758 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sauk Centre, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sauk Centre?
The average cost of solar panels in Sauk Centre 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sauk Centre?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sauk Centre is currently $303,928, so you could be looking at a value of about $12,461 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sauk Centre is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.