Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butte, MT (2024 Update)
- Butte Solar Installation Cost: $40,618
- 25-Year Savings: $23,224
- Payback Period: 19.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butte
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Butte.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Butte, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Butte, most homeowners require a 16.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $40,618, or $58,084 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Butte homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Butte homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Butte, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Butte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-39,345 |
| 3 years | $-36,800 |
| 5 years | $-34,255 |
| 7 years | $-31,710 |
| 9 years | $-29,164 |
| 11 years | $-26,619 |
| 13 years | $-24,074 |
| 15 years | $-21,529 |
| 17 years | $-18,984 |
| 19 years | $-16,439 |
| 21 years | $-13,894 |
| 23 years | $-11,348 |
| 25 years | $-8,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Butte
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because 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 reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Butte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butte
For many Butte homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Butte, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Butte, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Butte have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Butte homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Butte, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $3,844 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $5,514 | 19.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $7,378 | 19.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $9,437 | 18.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $11,689 | 18.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $14,137 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $16,778 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $19,614 | 17.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
EcoWatch's Butte, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Butte?
The average cost of solar panels in Butte is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Butte have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.