Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scandia, MN (2024 Update)

  • Scandia Solar Installation Cost: $20,370
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,764
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scandia

We go over average solar pricing in Scandia.

The average cost of a solar system in Scandia is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Scandia is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,370 for a solar installation, or $29,129 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Scandia depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Scandia can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Scandia, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Scandia

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,090
3 years$-16,531
5 years$-13,973
7 years$-11,414
9 years$-8,855
11 years$-6,296
13 years$-3,737
15 years$-1,178
17 years$1,381
19 years$3,940
21 years$6,499
23 years$9,058
25 years$11,616

Top Solar Installers in Scandia

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Scandia:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Scandia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scandia

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Scandia is $20,370, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Scandia, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Scandia average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Scandia have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scandia homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Scandia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$13,24014.3 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$18,10514.0 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$23,19513.7 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$28,51113.4 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$34,05313.2 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$39,82012.9 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$45,81312.6 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$52,03212.3 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Scandia, MN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scandia?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Scandia?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Scandia, 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.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Scandia, 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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.