Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augusta, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $20,049
- 25-Year Savings: $18,371
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Augusta
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in St. Augusta.
The average cost of a solar system in St. Augusta is 4 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in St. Augusta, the average price of going solar will be about $20,049 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average St. Augusta homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,770 |
| 3 years | $-16,211 |
| 5 years | $-13,652 |
| 7 years | $-11,093 |
| 9 years | $-8,534 |
| 11 years | $-5,975 |
| 13 years | $-3,417 |
| 15 years | $-858 |
| 17 years | $1,701 |
| 19 years | $4,260 |
| 21 years | $6,819 |
| 23 years | $9,378 |
| 25 years | $11,937 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Augusta
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a professional 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 St. Augusta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augusta
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Augusta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in St. Augusta, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout St. Augusta, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,834 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,564 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,519 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $21,699 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,106 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $30,738 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $35,596 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $40,679 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 St. Augusta, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Augusta?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Augusta?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Augusta, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout St. Augusta, 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 long do solar panels last in St. Augusta?
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 larger 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.