Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anaconda, MT (2024 Update)
- Anaconda Solar Installation Cost: $40,450
- 25-Year Savings: $23,346
- Payback Period: 19.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anaconda
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Anaconda.
In Anaconda, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 16.7-kW system would cost about $40,450 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anaconda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-39,177 |
| 3 years | $-36,632 |
| 5 years | $-34,087 |
| 7 years | $-31,542 |
| 9 years | $-28,997 |
| 11 years | $-26,452 |
| 13 years | $-23,906 |
| 15 years | $-21,361 |
| 17 years | $-18,816 |
| 19 years | $-16,271 |
| 21 years | $-13,726 |
| 23 years | $-11,181 |
| 25 years | $-8,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Anaconda
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Anaconda, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Anaconda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anaconda
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Anaconda, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Anaconda average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Anaconda have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Anaconda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Anaconda have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $3,923 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $5,619 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $7,509 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $9,594 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $11,873 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $14,346 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $17,014 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $19,876 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Anaconda, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Anaconda?
The average cost of solar panels in Anaconda is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Anaconda?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.