Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena Valley Northeast, MT (2024 Update)
- Helena Valley Northeast Solar Installation Cost: $41,495
- 25-Year Savings: $22,582
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena Valley Northeast
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Helena Valley Northeast.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Helena Valley Northeast is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Helena Valley Northeast, most homeowners require a 17.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $41,495, or $59,338 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $12,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Helena Valley Northeast find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Helena Valley Northeast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,222 |
| 3 years | $-37,677 |
| 5 years | $-35,132 |
| 7 years | $-32,587 |
| 9 years | $-30,042 |
| 11 years | $-27,496 |
| 13 years | $-24,951 |
| 15 years | $-22,406 |
| 17 years | $-19,861 |
| 19 years | $-17,316 |
| 21 years | $-14,771 |
| 23 years | $-12,226 |
| 25 years | $-9,680 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena Valley Northeast
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Helena Valley Northeast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena Valley Northeast
For many Helena Valley Northeast homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Helena Valley Northeast, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Helena Valley Northeast average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Helena Valley Northeast, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $3,442 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $4,978 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $6,709 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $8,633 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $10,752 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $13,065 | 18.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $15,573 | 18.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $18,275 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Helena Valley Northeast, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helena Valley Northeast?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helena Valley Northeast?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Helena Valley Northeast?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Helena Valley Northeast?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 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.