Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Bear Lake, MN (2024 Update)
- White Bear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $20,363
- 25-Year Savings: $22,066
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Bear Lake
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in White Bear Lake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in White Bear Lake typically cost around 4.The average White Bear Lake homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,363 with the federal tax credit, or $29,119 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in White Bear Lake find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in White Bear Lake for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in White Bear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,083 |
| 3 years | $-16,524 |
| 5 years | $-13,966 |
| 7 years | $-11,407 |
| 9 years | $-8,848 |
| 11 years | $-6,289 |
| 13 years | $-3,730 |
| 15 years | $-1,171 |
| 17 years | $1,388 |
| 19 years | $3,947 |
| 21 years | $6,506 |
| 23 years | $9,064 |
| 25 years | $11,623 |
Top Solar Installers in White Bear Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Bear Lake
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in White Bear Lake.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like White Bear Lake, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in White Bear Lake have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in White Bear Lake, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points 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 additional services like electric car 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 | $12,666 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,340 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $22,239 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,364 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $32,714 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $38,290 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $44,092 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $50,119 | 12.6 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Lake, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Bear Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in White Bear Lake?
You can’t get solar panels for free in White Bear Lake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,008.97 per year.
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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.