Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Bear, MN (2024 Update)
- White Bear Solar Installation Cost: $20,356
- 25-Year Savings: $21,385
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Bear
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in White Bear.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Bear, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average White Bear homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,356 with the federal tax credit, or $29,109 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of White Bear homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in White Bear can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in White Bear
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,076 |
| 3 years | $-16,518 |
| 5 years | $-13,959 |
| 7 years | $-11,400 |
| 9 years | $-8,841 |
| 11 years | $-6,282 |
| 13 years | $-3,723 |
| 15 years | $-1,164 |
| 17 years | $1,395 |
| 19 years | $3,954 |
| 21 years | $6,513 |
| 23 years | $9,071 |
| 25 years | $11,630 |
Top Solar Installers in White Bear
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in White Bear, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 White Bear
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Bear
For many White Bear homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in White Bear, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in White Bear.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,107 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,594 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,306 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,245 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,409 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,798 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,414 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,255 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 White Bear, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Bear?
The average cost of solar panels in White Bear 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in White Bear?
A solar panel system isn’t free in White Bear, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 White Bear is currently $608,388, so you can look forward to a value of about $24,944 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in White Bear is a rewarding investment.
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 the average daily 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.