Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena Valley Northwest, MT (2024 Update)
- Helena Valley Northwest Solar Installation Cost: $41,495
- 25-Year Savings: $22,582
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena Valley Northwest
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Helena Valley Northwest.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Helena Valley Northwest it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Helena Valley Northwest is around 17.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $41,495 for a solar installation, or $59,338 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Helena Valley Northwest homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Helena Valley Northwest can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Helena Valley Northwest that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Helena Valley Northwest
| 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 Northwest
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northwest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena Valley Northwest
For many Helena Valley Northwest homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Helena Valley Northwest, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back 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 financing options, including the total 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 principal 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 remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Helena Valley Northwest, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Helena Valley Northwest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 opt for.
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 Northwest, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helena Valley Northwest?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Helena Valley Northwest?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Helena Valley Northwest. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Helena Valley Northwest is currently $432,166, so you could be looking at a value of about $17,719 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Helena Valley Northwest is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.