Solar Panels Cost $7.7k-$17k in Carver County, MN | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Carver County, MN in 2025?
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Solar systems in Carver County, MN during February, 2025 typically are $3.67 per watt.
Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar generation capacounty will require an investment of $3,670 for installation. We can come to this conclusion based on the rate price cost. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel install in Carver County will cost approximately $12,845. However, a 5kW systemmay not be large enough to satisfy your energy requirements.
To the left, you can select your county to access information on the typical roof size and the maximum capacity of residential solar for houses in your area. Below, you can see a full analysis of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Carver County: $12,845US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Carver County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Carver County: $12,255US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Carver County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Carver County.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 12.4kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Carver County, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Carver County usually use 833 kWh per month, with an average monthly bill of 127.52. These figures also cover apartments and smaller residences with generally lower energy consumption.
In February 2025, the mean electricity rate in Carver County, MN is 15.3¢ per kWh.
The cost of a a 7 kW solar system is approximately $25,690 initially, but the federal tax credit provides a 30% credit, lowering your final cost to $17,983.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Carver County
Located below and to the left, there is the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Carver County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is larger, but they also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right details costs and benefits, using an average $127.52 electric bill in Carver County Simply replace the $127.52 with your usual electricity bill amount to see customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $652 a year
Est. Price
$7,707
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,346 kWh
Est. monthly savings $54
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.54 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 71 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,805 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $869 a year
Est. Price
$10,276
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,795 kWh
Est. monthly savings $72
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,073 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,087 a year
Est. Price
$12,845
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,244 kWh
Est. monthly savings $91
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.56 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 118 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,341 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,304 a year
Est. Price
$15,414
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,692 kWh
Est. monthly savings $109
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.07 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,609 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,521 a year
Est. Price
$17,983
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,141 kWh
Est. monthly savings $127
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 165 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,877 mi less a year
Carver County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. Verify if you are eligible by utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
With the availability of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a viable solution for almost all homeowners, especially in various parts of the country. State and local efforts are also in place to boost the growth of solar energy use.
A total of 20 solar incentive and rebate programs are available in Minnesota from multiple utilities and government organizations.
Solar incentives in MNIncentive Description Value
Rochester Public Utilities - Solar Rebate Program
Value:Up to $500
Residential and business customers of RPU, the municipal electric utility for the city of Rochester, may be entitled to rebates on new solar photovoltaic devices and components. New system installations will yield a $500 incentive regardless of their rated capacity. Systems should meet all city, state, and federal standards and be interconnected to the grid under a net metering contract. To apply, customers must first schedule an energy audit to verify quantitative efficiency improvement. Additional information is available from the RPU website.
Owatanna Public Utilities - Solar Rebate Program
Value:Up to $500
Commercial and residential customers of OPU, the municipal power utility for the city of Owatonna, may be entitled to rebates on solar PV systems and water heaters. Rebates add to existing federal tax incentives. New PV installations will yield a $500 rebate regardless of their rated capacity. Water heaters yield a rebate based on the area of the panels; the current rate is $15 per square foot. To qualify, systems should meet all city, state, and federal standards and be interconnected to the grid under a net metering contract. Interested customers should schedule an energy audit with an OPU participating solar contractor.
Marshall Municipal Utilities - Solar Thermal Water Heater Rebate Program
Value:Up to $2,000
Residential customers of MMU, the municipal utility for the city of Marshall, may be eligible for special rebates on new solar water heaters. The incentive amount will depend on the physical size of the solar panels. Currently, MMU will pay $20 per square foot up to $2,000. Rebates add to state-level tax credits and exemptions. Additional information is available from the MMU website.
Austin Utilities - Solar Rebate Program
Value:Up to $1
Residential and commercial customers of AU, the municipal electric utility for the city of Austin, may be eligible for rebates on new solar PV systems and water heaters. Qualifying systems should meet all state and federal standards, be installed by a certified solar contractor, and be interconnected to the grid under a net metering arrangement. Should a system meet these qualifications, owners can earn a rebate of $500 for PV or $15/square foot of water heater collector area. Application forms are available from the AU website.
Minnesota Power - SolarSense Solar Rebate Program
Value:Up to $10,000
Minnesota Power customers may be entitled to rebates on new solar photovoltaic systems. To qualify, a system must meet all state and federal standards, be installed by a certified solar contractor, and be interconnected to the grid under a net metering contract. The incentive amount is determined through an NREL tool which considers the system's rated capacity and other design characteristics. Current rates are 56 cents/estimated kilowatt hour of production in the first year of the system's use. Minnesota Power must preapprove all incentives. Customers must therefore apply for the rebate before purchasing their system. Additional information is available from the website.
Value of Solar Tariff
Value:Varies
Net metering in Minnesota is set to be replaced by a Value of Solar (VOST) tariff program standardized by the Department of Commerce. No utility has implemented such a program as of 2021, though Xcel Energy is exploring retail-rate tariffs in a similar vein to VOST. VOST operates as an "inflow-outflow" program. Customers are technically billed for all electricity they generate, including excess generation (EG) sent to the grid. Rather than paying for all generated energy, however, they will only owe the cost of their "nettable energy" in that cycle. Nettable energy is equal to total power generated at the standard billed cost minus EG at a different "credit rate." As with net metering, should generation exceed consumption, the remaining credits will be applied to subsequent cycles. VOST contracts last for 20 years; credit rates are fixed for the length of the contract. "Virtual VOST" provisions exist to compensate microgrid subscribers in proportion.
Farm Opportunities Loan Program
Value:Varies
New sustainable farm equipment may be eligible for special financing through Minnesota's Farm Opportunity Loan Program. The program is administered by the state Rural Finance Authority in conjunction with various funding partners. Loans can cover up to 80% of purchase and installation costs. The RFA assumes responsibility for servicing 45% of the principal up to $45,000. Interest on the RFA portion is 3%; the remaining 55% will accrue interest at the current market rate. Additional information is available from the RFA website.
Dakota Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Value:Varies
Residential and commercial customers of the Dakota Electric Association may be entitled to rebates on a variety of energy-efficient improvements. Available rebate offers will vary from time to time. Current offers include rebates on large appliances, lighting, insulation/weatherization, central/room HVAC, and new solar PV or geothermal heat systems. Rebate amounts depend on the type of project and how much efficiency it will add to the property. Additional information is available from the cooperative website.
Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants
Value:Varies
NOTE: This program appears to be defunct as of 2013. Xcel Energy has administered a Renewable Development Fund since 1999. The fund's annual budget amounts to $9 million, the result of a state-set rate per nuclear waste reservoir at the Prairie Island, Minnesota plant. Additional funding comes from a surcharge on Xcel customer bills in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Grant programs supported by the fund usually take the form of requests for proposals (RFPs). Xcel details grant revenue and spending in an annual report submitted to the state legislature, and grant recipients produce similar supplementary reports on their projects' environmental impact. Additional information is available from the Xcel website.
Owatonna Public Utilities - Residential Conserve and Save Rebate Program
Value:Varies
Residential customers of OPU, the municipal utility for the city of Owatonna, may be eligible for rebates on energy-efficient appliances. Qualifying appliances will vary from time to time, but currently include fridge/freezers and room air conditioners certified by ENERGY STAR. To qualify for a rebate, the owner must recycle their previous appliance. OPU will cover any fees incurred from the recycling of appliances as a part of the rebate. Additional information is available from the OPU website.
Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED) Tariff
Value:Varies
Utilities in Minnesota are required to participate in Community-Based Energy Development tariff programs (C-BED) to support the construction and onboarding of new renewable energy facilities, including solar and wind farms. C-BED contracts last for 20 years. During the term, the state will pay utilities at a fixed rate for the energy they produce. The underlying goal is for utilities to more easily recoup the costs for their renewable facilities. Additional information is available from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission website.
Value-Added Stock Loan Participation Program
Value:Varies
The Minnesota Rural Finance Authority (RFA) operates a stock financing program to aid farmers in purchasing shares of nearby wind farms or biomass energy facilities. Loans are offered by private banking partners, though the RFA sets loan terms and low interest rates for up to 45% of the principal. Qualifying applicants must not be worth more than $450,000. Additional information is available from the RFA website.
Minnesota Power - Power Grant Program
Value:Varies
Minnesota Power manages a large-scale energy efficiency grant program. Up to $50,000 in awards may be available to businesses and farmers investing in energy efficiency improvements, including new renewable energy systems and experimental technologies. Grants depend on the applicant's need and projected energy savings. They are supplemented by rebates of $200/kW of the improvements' rated capacity. Additional information is available from the Minnesota Power website.
Fix-Up Loan
Value:Varies
Minnesota homeowners making energy efficiency or accessibility improvements may be eligible for special loans from the state Housing Finance Agency (MHFA). "Fix-Up Loans" have a maximum of $15,000 in principal at market-rate interest. Applicants have direct access to MHFA lending partners and can negotiate loan terms. They may also use the contractors and builders of their choice. Lending partners differ between the 11-county Twin Cities area and the rest of the state. Additional information is available from the MHFA website.
Rural Minnesota Energy Board PACE Program
Value:Varies
The St. Paul Port Authority operates a PACE program in Duluth, Mankato, and certain Twin Cities suburbs and exurbs. Property owners will have access to an open market of local lenders offering competitive loans and terms for energy efficiency improvements. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Residential structures are not eligible for PACE loans due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are prohibited from acquiring a mortgage with an active PACE lien. Additional information is available from the Port Authority website.
Minnesota PACE Program (MinnPACE)
Value:Varies
The St. Paul Port Authority operates a PACE program in Duluth, Mankato, and certain Twin Cities suburbs and exurbs. Property owners will have access to an open market of local lenders offering competitive loans and terms for energy efficiency improvements. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Residential structures are not eligible for PACE loans due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are prohibited from acquiring a mortgage with an active PACE lien. Additional information is available from the Port Authority website.
Interconnection Standards
Value:Varies
Distributed generation and interconnection practices are standardized by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Standards were last updated in 2019 and continue to be amended regularly. Unlike states which use tiers and levels to organize energy systems, Minnesota uses permit processes as benchmarks. Systems at a qualifying capacity level may be eligible for a "Fast Track" permit review. All systems must follow recognized standards such as those set by IEEE or UL. Customers may be required by their utility to carry liability insurance coverage or install additional safety features.
Renewable Development Fund (RDF)
Value:Varies
Xcel Energy has administered a Renewable Development Fund since 1999. The fund's annual budget amounts to $9 million, the result of a state-set rate per nuclear waste reservoir at the Prairie Island, Minnesota plant. Additional funding comes from a surcharge on Xcel customer bills in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Funding supports incentive programs and other initiatives to adopt renewable energy. The University of Minnesota's Institute for the Environment also taps into the fund for its own research. Additional information is available from the Xcel website.
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program
Value:Varies
Solar*Rewards is the formal name for Xcel Energy's net metering and distributed generation tariff incentive programs nationwide. Under Minnesota law, renewable energy customers hold ownership of renewable energy credits (RECs) they generate. With a Solar*Rewards contract, the customer agrees to sell all RECs to the utility for a fixed amount of time and have a bidirectional meter installed on their system to track energy sent back to the grid. In exchange, the utility will provide fair compensation for both excess generation and credits accrued. To qualify for incentives, a new PV system must pass an engineering audit and not exceed 20 kW of DC capacity. Leased systems do not qualify for Solar*Rewards contracts. Additional information is available from the Xcel website.
Marshall Municipal Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Value:Varies
Residential customers of MMU, the municipal utility for the city of Marshall, may be eligible for rebates on new energy-efficient systems and appliances. Available rebate offers will vary from time to time. Current offers include incentives for ENERGY STAR-certified fridge/freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers, central/room HVAC, water heaters, dehumidifiers, and solar/geothermal systems (through a separate program). Customers may also receive financial assistance to certify their entire home with ENERGY STAR through an initiative targeted at new construction. Additional information is available from the MMU website.
Are solar panels worth it in Carver County, MN?
For homeowners in Carver County planning to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the obvious choice. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Carver County, MN will, on average, save you $17,759.8 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Carver County, MN
Skipping solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in you'll miss out on the savings mentioned above and be completely dependent on your electric utility for power. Full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal, as recent examples in the news have highlighted.
On average, customers in Carver County have encountered 0.77 utility outages per year over the past few years. Each outage, on average, lasts for 81.5 minutes. In the case of major events like high winds, aging infrastructure, or planned maintenance, this period can rise substantially.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Carver County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Carver County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Carver County, MN?
Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is reduced as the system size grows. Most consumers find it useful to install a solar system that can produce enough electricity to offset the entirety of their electric bill. This approach makes the most sense for optimal savings.
Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment to choose from. Given the certain brand preferences an installer might have, picking a highly rated company is crucial. The choice of better materials can substantially better the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Many installers use these panels.
Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Rough terrain, trees, or additional obstacles may complicate the installation. These days, solar installers frequently utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then passed on to the prices consumers pay. Businesses typically garner higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be influenced by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Reputable local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Carver County cities
In Carver County, MN, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in February, 2025 is $3.67/W. In Carver County, MN, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $12,845 after applying the federal tax credit.
Homeowners in Minnesota can take advantage of 20 different rebates and incentives from a variety of utility companies and government agencies. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels today are also advantageous. Information about financing options is typically provided in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, the average time to recoup the cost of 5 kW solar panels in Carver County, MN is 8 years, with homeowners saving an average of $17,759.8 on electricity over 20 years.