Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Cloud, MN (2024 Update)
- St. Cloud Solar Installation Cost: $20,133
- 25-Year Savings: $20,338
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Cloud
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in St. Cloud.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Cloud generally cost about 4.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in St. Cloud, the average price of going solar will be about $20,133 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in St. Cloud, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Cloud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,853 |
| 3 years | $-16,295 |
| 5 years | $-13,736 |
| 7 years | $-11,177 |
| 9 years | $-8,618 |
| 11 years | $-6,059 |
| 13 years | $-3,500 |
| 15 years | $-941 |
| 17 years | $1,618 |
| 19 years | $4,177 |
| 21 years | $6,736 |
| 23 years | $9,294 |
| 25 years | $11,853 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Cloud
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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. Cloud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Cloud
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in St. Cloud, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in St. Cloud provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Cloud is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $11,423 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,682 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $20,167 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $24,878 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $29,814 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $34,976 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $40,363 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $45,976 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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. Cloud, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Cloud?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Cloud 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in St. Cloud?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Cloud. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in St. Cloud?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.