Solar Panels Cost 7.9k-18k in St. Cloud, MN | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.9k-$18k in St. Cloud, MN | October, 2024

High Power Bills?

Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar

How much do solar panels cost in St. Cloud, MN in 2024?

As of October, 2024, the current price to go solar in St. Cloud, MN is $3.79 per watt.

This means that, solar panels will cost you approximately, on average, $3,790 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of generation capacity. In St. Cloud, you can expect to spend about $13,265 for a 5 kW solar panel install after factoring in the 30% federal income tax credit. However, a 5kW system may not be big enough to fully meet your energy demands.

Use the left-hand menu to select your area and view the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your county. You can review the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
St. Cloud: $13,265US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
St. Cloud: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
St. Cloud: $8,321US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in St. Cloud

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

Roof size 751sq. ft.
Capacity 10.5kW DC
Electricity 11.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in St. Cloud, MN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The monthly kWh usage for a St. Cloud energy consumer is 734, with a typical electric bill of $113.63. Smaller houses, including condos and duplexes, are also covered in the statistics cited in the preceding sentence.

The average electricity rate in St. Cloud, MN in October 2024 is 15.47¢ per kWh.

Typical electricity users in St. Cloud may need a solar system of 7 kW or larger to meet their entire electricity consumption demands. Initially, a 7 kWsolar installation costs about $26,530, with the 30% tax credit, this drops to $18,571.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in St. Cloud

Displayed below and to the left, you will see a thorough pricing structure for different solar panel system sizes installed in St. Cloud. The investment for a larger solar panel setup is higher, but it also provides higher electricity savings and increased income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $113.63 in St. Cloud. For results that are more personalized, modify the $113.63 to align with your regular electricity bill.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $652 a year
Est. Price
$7,959
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $54
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 84 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,540 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $869 a year
Est. Price
$10,612
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,795 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $72
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.45 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 112 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,053 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,087 a year
Est. Price
$13,265
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,244 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,566 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,304 a year
Est. Price
$15,918
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,692 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $109
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.67 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 168 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,079 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,521 a year
Est. Price
$18,571
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,141 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.85 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,526 mi less a year

St. Cloud Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small business and farm owners might benefit from the REAP Grant, which could cover 80% to 100% of their solar energy or wind energy installation expenses. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Homeowners can qualify for a 30% federal income tax credit for installing residential solar panels, making solar power a sensible option throughout much of the country. Alongside federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

A total of 12 solar rebates and incentives are available in Minnesota through various utility companies and government 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?

If you plan living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is an smart decision in St. Cloud. With a 5 kW solar system in St. Cloud, MN, the average savings over a 20 period is $14,006.2, with break even usually occurring at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in St. Cloud, MN

Besides missing out on the aforementioned savings, not installing solar panels or any backup energy system leaves you totally reliant on your electric utility for power. Recent news has demonstrated that complete dependence on your utility company is not always ideal.

Lately, utilities in St. Cloud have recorded an average of 0.69 outages per customer annually. Usually, outages have an average duration of 76.41 minutes. However, during critical events like tornadoes, overloaded power grids, or wildlife damage, these times can extend dramatically.

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

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Stearns County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in St. Cloud, MN?

Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is greater, the price per watt diminishes as the system gets larger. A majority of homeowners find it advantageous to set up a solar system that can generate enough electricity to replace the entirety of their electric bill. This approach makes the most sense for maximum savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a range of makes and models. The preferences for brand that your installer has may make it vital to pick a recommended installer. Buyers frequently find that utilizing higher quality equipment results in a more favorable long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. Despite the higher price tag, these panels produce greater energy output. Most installation experts use panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloping terrain, or additional hurdles can make the installation more challenging. By using satellite images, many solar installers nowadays can assess your home and include these factors into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies have varying pay scales for their employees, and these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Higher reviews for services and customer service are often associated with companies that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area, will impact your installation cost. Reputable local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other MN cities

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in St. Cloud?

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.

St. Cloud, MN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in St. Cloud, MN is $3.79/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in St. Cloud, MN will cost about $13,265 after federal tax credits.

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

  • Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.

  • Yes, in St. Cloud, MN, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 10 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $14,006.2 over a 20-year period.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01