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

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

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How much do solar panels cost in Northfield, MN in 2024?

To get a solar system averages out to $3.72 per watt in Northfield, MN in October, 2024.

It will cost you $3,720, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacity that your solar panels have. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay about $13,020, in Northfield, for a 5 kW solar panel install. Keep in mind that a larger system may be necessary to adequately cover your energy demands.

Select your county from the menu on the left to determine the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Displayed below is an analysis 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.
Northfield: $13,020US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Northfield: 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.
Northfield: $5,285US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Northfield

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

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

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

Northfield residents generally have an average monthly electric bill of $99.52 per month, with an average consumption of 594 kWh. Smaller homes, including condos and bungalows, are also part of the numbers mentioned in the previous sentence.

In October 2024, the average electricity rate in Northfield, MN is 16.76¢ per kWh.

The typical electricity consumer in Northfield has to have a 5 kW or larger solar setup to cover their full electricity usage demands. Right now, a 5 kW setup is priced at around $18,600 initially, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total comes to $13,020.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Northfield

To the left below, you can see the price breakdown for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Northfield. With bigger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.

The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, presented in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $99.52 in Northfield. Replace the $99.52 with your usual electricity bill for more accurate results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $246 a year
Est. Price
$2,604
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 0.71 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 32 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,749 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $493 a year
Est. Price
$5,208
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 1.41 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,499 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $739 a year
Est. Price
$7,812
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 2.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 97 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,248 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $985 a year
Est. Price
$10,416
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 2.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 130 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,998 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,231 a year
Est. Price
$13,020
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 3.44 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,524 mi less a year

Northfield Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Small businesses and agricultural enterprises in rural areas may see between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant. Think you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.

A 30% federal tax credit is accessible to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions throughout the United States. Moreover, there are various state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

A total of 12 solar rebates and incentives are available in Minnesota through multiple utility companies and government organizations.

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?

If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Northfield. A 5 kW system in Northfield, MN will save the average homeowner, on average, $10,864.8 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Northfield, MN

Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that total reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Northfield is 0.95. Typically, outages have an average duration of 114.46 minutes. However, during significant events such as earthquakes, vandalism, or overloaded power grids, these times can drastically increase.

Having a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could alleviate the strain of any future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Rice County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Northfield, MN?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is greater, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, leading to optimal savings.

Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector features a range of solar panel brands and designs. Picking an installer with certain system preferences means it's even more important crucial to go with a reputable contractor. Buyers often find that utilizing better quality materials leads to a more positive long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's not surprising that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even with a higher cost, this technology produce more energy. The majority of installers choose panels crafted using this material.

Your Property - Elements such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other hindrances might complicate the installation process. Nowadays, solar installers commonly leverage satellite images to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the different wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Businesses that pay higher wages often get higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact your installation cost. Good local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MN cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Northfield?

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.

Northfield, MN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As recorded in October, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Northfield, MN is $3.72/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,020 in Northfield, MN after the federal tax credit is applied.

  • Utilities and government agencies in Minnesota are currently offering 12 different rebates and incentives. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.

  • Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Northfield, MN is 11 years, with expected savings of $10,864.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01