Solar Panels Cost $21k-$32k in Red Lake County, MN | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Red Lake County, MN in 2025?
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The typical cost per watt of solar in Red Lake County, MN in February, 2025 is estimated at $3.92/W.
Based on this cost, you are able to conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your system can produce you will have to spend $3,920 to get your system installed. In Red Lake County, a 5 kW solar installation will require you to pay, on average, $13,720 after the 30% federal income tax credit. However, please keep in mind that a bigger system might be required to fulfill your energy needs.
On the left, select your county to see the average roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Outlined below are 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.
Red Lake County: $13,720US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Red Lake County: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Red Lake County: $24,308US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Red Lake County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Red Lake County.
Roof size 724sq. ft.
Capacity 10.13kW DC
Electricity 11.5kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Red Lake County, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
With an average consumption of 1,341 kWh per month, Red Lake County households pay about 182.95 for electricity. Flats and small homes, which usually require lower energy, are covered by this figure.
The mean rate for electricity in Red Lake County, MN during February, 2025 is 13.64¢ per kWh.
At this time, a 12 kW setup costs $32,928 when including the 30% federal income tax credit.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Red Lake County
To your left, there is a full pricing details for the different solar panel system sizes installed in Red Lake County. A bigger solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also yield greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The cost and benefit breakdown for solar panels, displayed in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $182.95 in Red Lake County. Personalized results can be gotten by changing the $182.95 to your average bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,623 a year
Est. Price
$21,952
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,590 kWh
Est. monthly savings $135
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.81 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,484 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,825 a year
Est. Price
$24,696
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,039 kWh
Est. monthly savings $152
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.04 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,045 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,028 a year
Est. Price
$27,440
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,487 kWh
Est. monthly savings $169
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,605 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,231 a year
Est. Price
$30,184
Savings from a 11kWthis system
Est. yearly production 15,936 kWh
Est. monthly savings $183
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.45 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 113 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,069 mi less a year
System Size 12kW
Roof Size Min. space required
858 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,434 a year
Est. Price
$32,928
Savings from a 12kWthis system
Est. yearly production 17,385 kWh
Est. monthly savings $183
Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.45 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 113 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,069 mi less a year
Red Lake County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Believe you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.
For residential solar installations, nearly all homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Minnesota residents have access to 20 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from various utilities and governmental bodies.
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 Red Lake County, MN?
If you're aiming to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, opting for solar panels is a smart decision in Red Lake County. A 5 kW system in Red Lake County, MN will enable you to save you personally, on average, $30,188 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Red Lake County, MN
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. As we have seen in numerous recent news reports, full reliance on your utility isn't always the best option.
Lately, utilities in Red Lake County have averaged an average of 1.68 outages per customer annually. The average length of an outage is 115.93 minutes. In events like hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or planned maintenance, this duration can extend significantly.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Red Lake County.
With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could reduce the effects of future power interruptions you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Red Lake County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Red Lake County, MN?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. Most homeowners see the advantage in installing a solar setup that can make enough power to cover their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. Taking into account the specific brand preferences an installer might have, choosing a recommended company is important. Better quality models generally provide a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they offer more energy. Most installers tend to use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or additional obstacles may add to the difficulty of the installation. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and include these factors in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs related to the varied wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, reputable local installers will be able to integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Red Lake County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Red Lake County?
In February, 2025, the typical price per watt for solar panels in Red Lake County, MN is $3.92/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Red Lake County, MN drops to roughly $13,720.
Minnesota offers 20 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, in Red Lake County, MN, the average time for 5 kWsolar panel systems to pay for themselves is 6 years, leading to electricity savings of $30,188 over a 20-year period.