Solar Panels Cost 5.7k-17k in International Falls, MN | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.7k-$17k in International Falls, MN | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in International Falls, MN in 2024?

It costs about $4.12/W to go solar in October, 2024 in International Falls, MN.

For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce, you will need to invest, on average, $4,120 to have it installed. In International Falls, the cost of a 5 kW panel install is typically $14,420, after a 30% federal tax credit. In accordance with your energy consumption, your home might need a larger system.

Select your county from the menu on the left to view the average roof size and maximum residential solar capacity for homes in your area. Below, you can see a full breakdown of the price, 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.
International Falls: $14,420US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
International Falls: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
International Falls: $2,589US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in International Falls

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
International Falls.

Roof size 724sq. ft.
Capacity 10.13kW DC
Electricity 11.5kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in International Falls, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The average monthly electric bill for a International Falls energy consumer is $96.62, based on an typical usage of 646 kWh. Keep in mind, this statistic includes smaller residential units such as apartments, which generally have reduced energy consumption.

As of October 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in International Falls, MN is 14.95¢.

Average electricity users in International Falls will require a solar power system of 6 kW or higher to take care of all of their electricity requirements. The initial cost for a 6 kW setup amounts to $24,720, but with a 30% tax credit, your cost is reduced to $17,304.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in International Falls

On the left side below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in International Falls. A bigger solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also offer more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right details costs and benefits, based on an average $96.62 electric bill in International Falls If you want tailored results, modify the $96.62 to your average electricity bill amount.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $435 a year
Est. Price
$5,768
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,897 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $36
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.29 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 59 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,188 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $652 a year
Est. Price
$8,652
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $54
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.93 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 89 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,782 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $869 a year
Est. Price
$11,536
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,795 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $72
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.58 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 118 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,376 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,087 a year
Est. Price
$14,420
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,244 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.22 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 148 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,970 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,304 a year
Est. Price
$17,304
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,692 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.45 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,538 mi less a year

International Falls Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for solar energy or wind turbines for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses. If you feel you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.

Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for installing residential solar panels, making solar power a feasible option in much of the country. A number of state and local programs are set up to enhance the adoption of solar energy.

There are 12 solar incentive and rebate programs in Minnesota, provided by different utilities and governmental agencies.

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 expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a clear choice in International Falls. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in International Falls, MN could save you approximately $8,768.8, with the average break even time being 12 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in International Falls, MN

In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned previously, not installing solar panels or another form of backup power leaves you completely dependent on your electric utility. Full reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario as the news has recently highlighted.

Each year, the average number of outages per customer in International Falls is about 0.9. Outages typically last for an average of 93.46 minutes. Major occurrences like thunderstorms, planned maintenance, or aging infrastructure can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Koochiching County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in International Falls, MN?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt reduces as the system size increases. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a smart choice, leading to the most savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. The contractor’s preference for brand makes it essential to select a recommended installer. Better makes and models typically provide an enhanced long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Many solar panel installers prefer this type of material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers today frequently utilize satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are offered to employees by various companies, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages often lead to businesses getting better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees differ by area and will affect your final install price. That said, reputable local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MN cities

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Who are the best solar installers in International Falls?

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.

International Falls, MN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in International Falls, MN is $4.12/W. In International Falls, MN, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $14,420 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • At present, there are 12 rebates and incentives available to Minnesota residents from various utility and government programs. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Choosing to pay cash offers the most savings, but today there are numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially advantageous. Your preliminary quotes will usually contain financing options available through installers.

  • Yes, in International Falls, MN, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 12 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $8,768.8 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01