Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bigfork, MT (2024 Update)
- Bigfork Solar Installation Cost: $44,018
- 25-Year Savings: $27,012
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bigfork
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bigfork.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bigfork it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 18.1-kW system would cost about $44,018 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Bigfork, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bigfork
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-43,017 |
| 3 years | $-41,014 |
| 5 years | $-39,011 |
| 7 years | $-37,008 |
| 9 years | $-35,005 |
| 11 years | $-33,002 |
| 13 years | $-30,999 |
| 15 years | $-28,996 |
| 17 years | $-26,993 |
| 19 years | $-24,990 |
| 21 years | $-22,987 |
| 23 years | $-20,984 |
| 25 years | $-18,982 |
Top Solar Installers in Bigfork
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bigfork
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bigfork
The cost of installing a solar system in Bigfork can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bigfork provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Bigfork’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bigfork know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $4,454 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,328 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $8,396 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $10,658 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $13,114 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $15,765 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $18,610 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $21,649 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Bigfork, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bigfork?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bigfork?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bigfork. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Bigfork?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.