Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blaine, MN (2024 Update)
- Blaine Solar Installation Cost: $20,303
- 25-Year Savings: $21,339
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blaine
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Blaine.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Blaine generally cost around 4.The average Blaine homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,303 with the federal tax credit, or $29,033 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Blaine based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Blaine homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blaine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,024 |
| 3 years | $-16,465 |
| 5 years | $-13,906 |
| 7 years | $-11,347 |
| 9 years | $-8,788 |
| 11 years | $-6,229 |
| 13 years | $-3,671 |
| 15 years | $-1,112 |
| 17 years | $1,447 |
| 19 years | $4,006 |
| 21 years | $6,565 |
| 23 years | $9,124 |
| 25 years | $11,683 |
Top Solar Installers in Blaine
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Blaine, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Blaine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blaine
Although the average cost of a solar system in Blaine is $20,303, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,030 per kilowatt in Blaine.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Blaine, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Blaine, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $12,114 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $16,603 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $21,318 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $26,259 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $31,425 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $36,817 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $42,435 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $48,278 | 12.8 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Blaine, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blaine?
The average cost of solar panels in Blaine 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blaine?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Blaine, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.