Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Solar Installation | Electrical | Blaine
HEP makes it surprisingly simple—and exciting—to turn Blaine’s abundant sunshine into real savings. Our team handles every detail of your solar installation, from the first watt-by-watt design to the final connection, so you can watch your electric bill shrink while your home’s value and energy independence soar. Because we’re locals, we know the permits, inspections, and incentives inside out, helping you capture every available tax credit and TVA rebate without lifting a finger.
Expect clear communication, respectful crews, and rock-solid workmanship backed by industry-leading warranties. Whether you’re powering a lakefront cabin, a bustling office, or the family homestead, HEP delivers panels that look sleek, perform brilliantly, and stand up to East Tennessee weather. Ready to cut costs and carbon in one move? Let’s put the sun to work for you —Blaine’s brightest investment starts right here.
FAQs
How much can I expect to save on my electric bill in Blaine after going solar?
An average-sized residential system in Blaine (6–8 kW) produces roughly 7,000–10,000 kWh of electricity a year. With local utility rates of about $0.13 per kWh, that offsets $900–$1,300 in annual electricity charges. Because rates rise about 2–3 % each year, lifetime savings over 25 years typically fall between $30,000 and $40,000, depending on system size, roof orientation, shading, and future rate hikes.
What rebates, tax credits, or incentives are available for Blaine homeowners installing solar?
Today’s biggest incentive is the 30 % federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal income taxes. Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program pays a performance-based incentive (currently about $0.02 per kWh produced) for 10 years. Minnesota also provides a sales-tax exemption on solar equipment and installation, saving you 6.875 %. In Anoka County, property tax isn’t increased for the added value of a solar array thanks to Minnesota’s renewable-energy property-tax exclusion.
How does net metering work with our local utility?
Under Minnesota’s net-metering law, systems up to 40 kW receive one-for-one credit for every kilowatt-hour sent back to the grid. When your panels generate more power than your home is using, your meter runs backward and you build up credits. At night or on cloudy days you draw power and consume those credits first. Any surplus left over at the end of a 12-month billing cycle is purchased by the utility at the avoided-cost rate (typically 3–4 ¢/kWh).
Is Blaine’s climate sunny enough for solar panels to be worthwhile?
Yes. Blaine averages about 4 peak-sun hours per day annually, comparable to parts of Germany, the world’s solar leader. Modern panels capture energy even in diffuse light, and snowy roofs actually reflect additional light onto the modules. Systems are installed at steep roof angles so most snow slides off quickly. The state’s cold temperatures also improve panel efficiency because solar cells perform better when they are cool.
What does a typical solar installation cost and what’s the payback period?
Turnkey pricing in 2024 runs about $2.60–$3.10 per watt before incentives. A 7 kW system therefore costs $18,000–$22,000. After the 30 % federal tax credit and sales-tax exemption, net cost falls to roughly $12,000–$15,000. With annual bill savings of $1,000–$1,300 and Xcel Solar*Rewards payments, simple payback is usually 8–11 years. Panels are warranted for 25 years and often keep producing 30+ years, so you enjoy decades of free power once the system is paid off.
Will solar panels increase my home’s resale value in Blaine?
Multiple studies (including reports from Zillow and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) show that homes with owned solar systems sell for 3 – 4 % more than comparable non-solar homes, and they tend to sell faster. Buyers value the lower electric bills and locked-in energy costs. Because Minnesota exempts solar from property-tax increases, you gain the added equity without higher annual taxes.