Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Mendota Heights, MN | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Mendota Heights, MN | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Mendota Heights, MN in 2024?

In Mendota Heights, MN in October, 2024, the current price per watt for solar panel installations is estimated at $3.83/W

In accordance with this rate, expect to pony up $3,830, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can produce. In Mendota Heights, you can expect to spend approximately $13,405 for a 5 kW solar installation once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. It should be noted that a larger system could be necessary to adequately cover your energy requirements.

Choose your county from the menu on the left to find out the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Shown below is a 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.
Mendota Heights: $13,405US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Mendota Heights: 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.
Mendota Heights: $4,735US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Mendota Heights

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Mendota Heights.

Roof size 751sq. ft.
Capacity 10.5kW DC
Electricity 12.3kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Mendota Heights, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

In Mendota Heights, energy consumers usually see an average electric bill of $99.52 each month, with an average consumption of 594 kWh. Flats and other smaller residences with reduced energy requirements are included in this data.

The average rate for electricity in Mendota Heights, MN during October, 2024 is 16.76¢ per kWh.

Typical citizens in Mendota Heights may need a solar panel system of 5 kW or larger to cover their entire electricity consumption requirements. Before any incentives, a 5 kWsolar system is priced at approximately $19,150, after the 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $13,405.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Mendota Heights

Shown on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Mendota Heights. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is higher, but they also provide more significant electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator below and to the right details costs and benefits, using an average $99.52 electric bill in Mendota Heights For results that are more specific to you, modify the $99.52 to reflect your typical electricity bill.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $246 a year
Est. Price
$2,681
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,449 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $21
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.8 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 37 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,984 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $493 a year
Est. Price
$5,362
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,897 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $41
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.6 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 74 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,969 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $739 a year
Est. Price
$8,043
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $62
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.41 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 110 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,953 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $985 a year
Est. Price
$10,724
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,795 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.21 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 147 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,938 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,231 a year
Est. Price
$13,405
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,244 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $100
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.91 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 179 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,669 mi less a year

Mendota Heights Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you own a plot or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas throughout the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.

A total of 12 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Minnesota from multiple utilities and government bodies.

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 in Mendota Heights looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Mendota Heights, MN, the average savings over a 20 period is $10,479.8, with break even generally occurring at 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Mendota Heights, MN

Besides missing out on the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

Every year, customers in Mendota Heights face approximately 0.95 outages each year. Outages typically last for an average of 114.46 minutes. Major occurrences like hurricanes, wildlife damage, or grid management errors can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of any future power interruptions you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Dakota County.

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Customers Out:

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Mendota Heights, MN?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt declines as the size of the system grows. Installing a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it crucial to choose a highly rated company. The selection of better equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and it's easy to see why. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Most installers opt for panels crafted using this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as uneven land, trees, or other obstacles can make the installation more challenging. These days, solar installers can utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies remunerate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are transferred to consumers. It is frequently observed that businesses with higher wages receive superior reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, quality local installers will be able to build 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 Mendota Heights?

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.

Mendota Heights, MN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Mendota Heights, MN is $3.83/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Mendota Heights, MN will cost about $13,405 after federal tax credits.

  • At present, there are 12 rebates and incentives available to Minnesota residents from various utility and government programs. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Mendota Heights, MN is 11 years, with expected savings of $10,479.8 on electricity over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01