Solar Panel Cost Guide in Evergreen, MT (2024 Update)
- Evergreen 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 Evergreen
We break down average solar pricing in Evergreen.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Evergreen typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Evergreen is around 18.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $44,018 for a solar installation, or $62,946 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Evergreen depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Evergreen
| 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 Evergreen
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Evergreen, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Evergreen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Evergreen
The cost of installing a solar system in Evergreen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects 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 panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Evergreen, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Evergreen, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Evergreen homeowners, they can also add to 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 solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Evergreen, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Evergreen have more knowledge 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 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Evergreen, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Evergreen, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Evergreen?
The average cost of solar panels in Evergreen 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Evergreen?
Solar panels aren’t free in Evergreen, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $680.15 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.