Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zumbrota, MN (2024 Update)
- Zumbrota Solar Installation Cost: $20,354
- 25-Year Savings: $20,655
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zumbrota
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Zumbrota.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zumbrota it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $20,354 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Zumbrota depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Zumbrota for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Zumbrota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,075 |
| 3 years | $-16,516 |
| 5 years | $-13,957 |
| 7 years | $-11,398 |
| 9 years | $-8,839 |
| 11 years | $-6,280 |
| 13 years | $-3,721 |
| 15 years | $-1,162 |
| 17 years | $1,397 |
| 19 years | $3,956 |
| 21 years | $6,514 |
| 23 years | $9,073 |
| 25 years | $11,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Zumbrota
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Zumbrota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zumbrota
The cost of installing a solar system in Zumbrota can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
Most solar companies in Zumbrota have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,501 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,786 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $20,297 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $25,033 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $29,995 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $35,183 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $40,596 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $46,235 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Zumbrota, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zumbrota?
The average cost of solar panels in Zumbrota 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 stuff like the type 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?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Zumbrota have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.