Solar Panel Cost Guide in Great Falls, MT (2024 Update)
- Great Falls Solar Installation Cost: $42,536
- 25-Year Savings: $21,820
- Payback Period: 20.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Great Falls
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Great Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Great Falls it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 17.5-kW system would cost about $42,536 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Great Falls homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Great Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-41,263 |
| 3 years | $-38,718 |
| 5 years | $-36,173 |
| 7 years | $-33,628 |
| 9 years | $-31,083 |
| 11 years | $-28,537 |
| 13 years | $-25,992 |
| 15 years | $-23,447 |
| 17 years | $-20,902 |
| 19 years | $-18,357 |
| 21 years | $-15,812 |
| 23 years | $-13,267 |
| 25 years | $-10,721 |
Top Solar Installers in Great Falls
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
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 Great Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Great Falls
For many Great Falls homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Great Falls, 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Great Falls, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Great Falls, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $2,987 | 20.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $4,371 | 20.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $5,950 | 20.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $7,723 | 19.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $9,690 | 19.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $11,852 | 18.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $14,207 | 18.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $16,758 | 18.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Great Falls, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Great Falls?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Great Falls?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Great Falls. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Great Falls have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.