The state of Minnesota is currently 13th in the nation in terms of solar capacity, and it’s on track to increase its total to more than 800 MWs by the end of the next five years. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), the state’s solar investment reached almost $2 billion in 2019.
Solar panels for sale in Minnesota
Solar panels in Minnesota are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.
The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years.
Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas.
Aptos Solar 365W Solar Panel 120 cell DNA-120-MF26-365W
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 69.1 X 40.9 X 1.37 in
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Aptos Solar
- Model — DNA-120-MF26-365W
- Operating Temperature — 111 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 20.01%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45.19 lbs
- Price per Watt — $0.8
- Rated Power Output — 365 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 40.7
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product warranty, 30-year output warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
REC 400W Solar Panel 132 cell REC400AA-PURE
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 132 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 71.7 x 40 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — REC
- Model — REC400AA-PURE
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.6%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 400 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 48.8
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Panasonic 370W Solar Panel 120 cell EverVolt EVPV370
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — white
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 67.8 x 40.0 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Panasonic Eco Solutions
- Model — EVPV370
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.2%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 43 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 370 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 44.1
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Solar inverters for sale in Minnesota
Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.
Another functions that inverter perform include:
- Interaction with the grid;
- Arc fault prevention and protection;
- Optimization of the solar array production;
- System monitoring.
Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.
Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Minnesota residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors.
OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 48
- Output Voltage AC — 120/240 VAC
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie, Hybrid
- Dimensions LxWxH — 28 x 16 x 8.7 inches
- Watts — 8000
- Manufacturer — OutBack Power Systems
- Model — GS8048A-01
- Operating Temperatures — -4 °F to +122 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 96%
- Weight — 125 lbs
- Warranty — 5 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 21.1 x 28.5 x 7.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SMA America LLC
- Model — SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 97.6%
- Weight — 57 lbs
- Warranty — 10 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 17.7 x 14.6 x 6.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SolarEdge
- Model — SE5000H-US000BNU4
- Operating Temperatures — -13 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 99%
- Weight — 25.6 lbs
- Warranty — 12 years, extendable to 25 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
What solar panels should I install in Minnesota?
With the ability to customize virtually any aspect of a solar system, property owners can now make their own systems. This has made it important for consumers to understand the various factors that go into making an informed decision. For instance, the best solar panels may have higher efficiency, but they will typically be more costly.
Depending on the size of your project, you might want to consider investing in high-efficiency solar panels. However, before you make a decision, it’s important to determine if these panels are worth the investment. Other factors such as your appetite for risk can also be taken into account.
The history of solar power in Minnesota
The Minnesota Solar Power Policy was established in 1978 following the passage of the state’s Solar Rights and Easement Act. Since then, various initiatives have been passed to encourage the development of solar energy.
Over the years, Minnesota has made significant investments in solar power, and the state is now 14th in the nation in terms of solar generation. Not only is solar a vital part of the state’s economy, but it has also created thousands of jobs.