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

  • Wayzata Solar Installation Cost: $20,316
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,173
  • Payback Period: 15.2 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Wayzata

We break down average solar pricing in Wayzata.

In Wayzata, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wayzata, the average price of going solar will be about $20,316 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wayzata find going solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wayzata

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,037
3 years$-16,478
5 years$-13,919
7 years$-11,360
9 years$-8,801
11 years$-6,242
13 years$-3,684
15 years$-1,125
17 years$1,434
19 years$3,993
21 years$6,552
23 years$9,111
25 years$11,670

Top Solar Installers in Wayzata

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Wayzata

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wayzata

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Wayzata: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Wayzata homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Wayzata, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.19$17,603$10,29815.8 years
8 kW$4.11$23,019$14,18215.5 years
10 kW$4.03$28,210$18,29215.2 years
12 kW$3.95$33,175$22,62814.9 years
14 kW$3.87$37,914$27,18914.6 years
16 kW$3.79$42,428$31,97614.3 years
18 kW$3.71$46,716$36,98814.0 years
20 kW$3.63$50,778$42,22613.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Wayzata, MN Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Wayzata 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.