Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia Falls, MT (2024 Update)
- Columbia Falls Solar Installation Cost: $44,018
- 25-Year Savings: $29,408
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia Falls
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Columbia Falls.
In Columbia Falls, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbia Falls, most homeowners require a 18.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $44,018, or $62,946 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbia Falls homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Columbia Falls can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia Falls
| 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 Columbia Falls
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Columbia Falls, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Columbia Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbia Falls can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbia Falls to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Columbia Falls homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Columbia Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $5,248 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $7,386 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $9,718 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $12,244 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $14,965 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $17,880 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $20,990 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $24,293 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 Columbia Falls, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia Falls?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Columbia Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbia Falls?
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 power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of 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.