Solar Panels Cost 5.2k-15k in Chisago City, MN | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Chisago City, MN | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Chisago City, MN in 2024?

On average, in Chisago City, MN in the month of October, 2024, the cost per watt of solar systems is $3.74/W.

Using this price, you should expect to pony up $3,740, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panels will need to generate. With a 30% federal tax credit, the average cost for a 5 kW system in Chisago City is approximately $13,090. It's vital to consider that a higher capacity system may be essential to fully meet your energy requirements.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. Below is a breakdown of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Chisago City: $13,090US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Chisago City: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Chisago City: $5,396US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Chisago City

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Chisago City.

Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 10.6kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Chisago City, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

With an average consumption of 627 kWh per month, Chisago City households pay about $100.40 for electricity each month. This data also encompasses the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.

The electricity rate per kWh in Chisago City, MN for October 2024 is on average 16.02¢.

To satisfy the electricity requirements of an average consumer in Chisago City, a solar panel system of 6 kW or higher is a must. Upfront, a 6 kW solar system is approximately $22,440, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, which cuts down the total to $15,708.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Chisago City

To the left side and below, you can find the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Chisago City. Naturally, with a more extensive solar system, there will be a greater initial expense, but the advantages include higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $100.40 in Chisago City. Adjust the $100.40 to your usual bill payment for personalized results.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $464 a year
Est. Price
$5,236
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,897 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $39
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 67 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,624 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $695 a year
Est. Price
$7,854
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $58
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,435 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $927 a year
Est. Price
$10,472
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,795 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $77
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.93 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 134 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,247 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,159 a year
Est. Price
$13,090
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,244 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.66 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 168 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,059 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,391 a year
Est. Price
$15,708
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,692 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $100
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 174 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,379 mi less a year

Chisago City Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Installing residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, accessible to almost all homeowners, making it a wise option for numerous areas across the country. Additionally, various state and local programs exist to further support the adoption of solar power.

Several utilities and government organizations in Minnesota currently offer 12 solar rebates and incentives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are solar panels worth it in Minnesota?

For those planning to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Chisago City. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Chisago City, MN, you might save $11,006 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at around 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Chisago City, MN

If you don't install solar panels or an alternative backup power source, you forgo the aforementioned savings and your household is entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Numerous recent news reports have illustrated that total reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In Chisago City, there are about 0.73 outages per customer annually. Each outage lasts an average of 85.31 minutes. In the case of major events such as heavy rain and flooding, vandalism, or equipment failure, this period can increase substantially.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the stress of future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Chisago County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Chisago City, MN?

Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt declines, despite the larger upfront expense. Installing a solar panel system that can fully offset the electric bill is beneficial to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels. The installer’s preference for system makes it crucial to pick a reputable company. Buyers generally find that utilizing higher quality equipment provides a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. Even though they are costlier, they provide more energy. Most installers work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, irregular terrain, or other considerations can increase the difficulty of the installation. These days, the majority of solar installers can use satellite imagery to assess your home and include these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees get varying wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in companies receiving better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be affected by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other MN cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Chisago City?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar Farm

St. Paul, MN(651) 271-8410

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sundial Energy

St. Louis Park, MN(612) 439-9591

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Chisago City, MN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Chisago City, MN is $3.74/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,090 in Chisago City, MN after the federal tax credit is applied.

  • At present, there are 12 rebates and incentives available to Minnesota residents from various utility and government programs. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are multiple financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Chisago City, MN averages 11 years, with electricity savings of about $11,006 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01