Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willmar, MN (2024 Update)
- Willmar Solar Installation Cost: $19,943
- 25-Year Savings: $8,078
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willmar
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Willmar.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Willmar is 4 per watt.The average Willmar homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,943 with the federal tax credit, or $28,518 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Willmar homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Willmar homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willmar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,823 |
| 3 years | $-16,581 |
| 5 years | $-14,339 |
| 7 years | $-12,097 |
| 9 years | $-9,856 |
| 11 years | $-7,614 |
| 13 years | $-5,372 |
| 15 years | $-3,130 |
| 17 years | $-889 |
| 19 years | $1,353 |
| 21 years | $3,595 |
| 23 years | $5,837 |
| 25 years | $8,078 |
Top Solar Installers in Willmar
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 Willmar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willmar
Although the average cost of a solar system in Willmar is $19,943, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,030. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Willmar average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Willmar homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Willmar, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,130 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $12,625 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $16,345 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $20,291 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $24,463 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $28,860 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $33,483 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $38,332 | 14.2 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: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Willmar, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willmar?
The average cost of solar panels in Willmar 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 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 Willmar?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Willmar. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Willmar is currently $220,689, which means you can expect a value of about $9,048 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Willmar is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.