Solar Panel Cost Guide in Havre, MT (2024 Update)
- Havre Solar Installation Cost: $42,957
- 25-Year Savings: $21,512
- Payback Period: 20.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Havre
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Havre.
In Havre, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 17.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Havre, the average price of going solar will be about $42,957 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Havre that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Havre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-41,684 |
| 3 years | $-39,139 |
| 5 years | $-36,594 |
| 7 years | $-34,049 |
| 9 years | $-31,503 |
| 11 years | $-28,958 |
| 13 years | $-26,413 |
| 15 years | $-23,868 |
| 17 years | $-21,323 |
| 19 years | $-18,778 |
| 21 years | $-16,233 |
| 23 years | $-13,687 |
| 25 years | $-11,142 |
Top Solar Installers in Havre
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Havre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Havre
Although the average cost of a solar system in Havre is $42,957, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Havre is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2,809 | 21.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $4,134 | 20.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $5,654 | 20.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $7,367 | 19.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $9,275 | 19.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $11,378 | 19.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $13,674 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $16,165 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Havre, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Havre?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Havre 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 offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Havre?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.