Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lolo, MT (2024 Update)
- Lolo Solar Installation Cost: $41,500
- 25-Year Savings: $30,545
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lolo
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Lolo.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lolo typically cost about 3.Since a 17.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lolo, the average price of going solar will be about $41,500 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind 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 solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lolo can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lolo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,335 |
| 3 years | $-38,006 |
| 5 years | $-35,677 |
| 7 years | $-33,347 |
| 9 years | $-31,018 |
| 11 years | $-28,688 |
| 13 years | $-26,359 |
| 15 years | $-24,030 |
| 17 years | $-21,700 |
| 19 years | $-19,371 |
| 21 years | $-17,041 |
| 23 years | $-14,712 |
| 25 years | $-12,383 |
Top Solar Installers in Lolo
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lolo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lolo
While the average cost of a solar system in Lolo is $41,500, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lolo, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Lolo’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lolo know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,238 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $8,705 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $11,368 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $14,224 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $17,275 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $20,520 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $23,960 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $27,593 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Lolo, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lolo?
The average cost of solar panels in Lolo is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lolo?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lolo, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Lolo have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lolo?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.