In Minnesota, a 7-kW system for an average home costs about $22,810 after incentives in 2026, saves about $1,466 in the first year and pays back in 13 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 7.04 kW × $3.24/W | $22,810 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $22,810 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $22,810 | $1,466 | 13 yr | $28,703 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $22,810 | $1,466 | 11.6 yr | $49,604 |
| Rates stay flat | $22,810 | $1,466 | 15.7 yr | $12,730 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $25,344 | $1,466 | 14.2 yr | $26,169 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $38,402 | $1,466 | 20 yr | $13,110 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $15,682 | $730 | 17.4 yr | $9,212 |
Verdict: at average Minnesota numbers, solar is a marginal investment in 2026 — payback takes 13 years, leaving you $28,703 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Get at least three quotes: every $0.25/W you shave off the price moves payback by roughly a year or more here.
Net metering and exports in Minnesota: Net metering at the utility's average retail energy rate (slightly below full retail).
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Minnesota average of $1,155/kWh adds $15,593 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 20 years.
EnergySage's Minnesota page lists a 14.6-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.