Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewistown, MT (2024 Update)
- Lewistown Solar Installation Cost: $42,229
- 25-Year Savings: $37,747
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewistown
We go over average solar pricing in Lewistown.
In Lewistown, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Lewistown homeowner needs a 17.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $42,229 with the federal tax credit, or $60,387 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lewistown see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Lewistown for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lewistown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,957 |
| 3 years | $-38,412 |
| 5 years | $-35,867 |
| 7 years | $-33,321 |
| 9 years | $-30,776 |
| 11 years | $-28,231 |
| 13 years | $-25,686 |
| 15 years | $-23,141 |
| 17 years | $-20,596 |
| 19 years | $-18,051 |
| 21 years | $-15,505 |
| 23 years | $-12,960 |
| 25 years | $-10,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Lewistown
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Lewistown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewistown
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lewistown, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lewistown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Lewistown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,538 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $11,772 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $15,201 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $18,824 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $22,642 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $26,654 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $30,860 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $35,260 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Lewistown, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lewistown?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lewistown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lewistown?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lewistown?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.