Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garden City, ID (2024 Update)
- Garden City Solar Installation Cost: $17,666
- 25-Year Savings: $17,718
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garden City
We break down average solar pricing in Garden City.
In Garden City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Garden City homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,666 with the federal tax credit, or $25,262 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Garden City homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Garden City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Garden City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,504 |
| 3 years | $-14,180 |
| 5 years | $-11,856 |
| 7 years | $-9,532 |
| 9 years | $-7,208 |
| 11 years | $-4,884 |
| 13 years | $-2,559 |
| 15 years | $-235 |
| 17 years | $2,089 |
| 19 years | $4,413 |
| 21 years | $6,737 |
| 23 years | $9,061 |
| 25 years | $11,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Garden City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Garden City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garden City
For many Garden City homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Garden City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Garden City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Garden City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Garden City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Garden City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $10,382 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,230 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $18,272 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $22,507 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $26,937 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $31,560 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $36,377 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $41,387 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Garden City, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Garden City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $849.83 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Garden City?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.