Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dillon, MT (2024 Update)
- Dillon Solar Installation Cost: $39,333
- 25-Year Savings: $24,164
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dillon
We break down average solar pricing in Dillon.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dillon is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dillon, most homeowners require a 16.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $39,333, or $56,246 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Dillon based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Dillon homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Dillon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dillon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-38,061 |
| 3 years | $-35,516 |
| 5 years | $-32,970 |
| 7 years | $-30,425 |
| 9 years | $-27,880 |
| 11 years | $-25,335 |
| 13 years | $-22,790 |
| 15 years | $-20,245 |
| 17 years | $-17,700 |
| 19 years | $-15,154 |
| 21 years | $-12,609 |
| 23 years | $-10,064 |
| 25 years | $-7,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Dillon
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Dillon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dillon
The cost of installing a solar system in Dillon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dillon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dillon to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dillon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dillon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4,464 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,341 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $8,412 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $10,677 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $13,137 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $15,791 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $18,639 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $21,682 | 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Dillon, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dillon?
The average cost of solar panels in Dillon 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dillon?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dillon. 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.