Solar Panel Cost Guide in Miles City, MT (2023 Update)
- Miles City Solar Installation Cost: $14,526
- 25-Year Savings: $25,908
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Miles City
We break down average solar pricing in Miles City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Miles City generally cost around 2.54. The average Miles City homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,526 with the federal tax credit, or $20,772 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Miles City based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Miles City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,909 |
| 3 years | $-9,674 |
| 5 years | $-6,439 |
| 7 years | $-3,205 |
| 9 years | $30 |
| 11 years | $3,265 |
| 13 years | $6,500 |
| 15 years | $9,734 |
| 17 years | $12,969 |
| 19 years | $16,204 |
| 21 years | $19,439 |
| 23 years | $22,673 |
| 25 years | $25,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Miles City
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Miles City, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Miles City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Miles City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Miles City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Miles City. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Miles City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Miles City is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $18,615 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,105 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,736 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,510 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,426 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,485 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,686 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $67,028 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Miles City, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Miles City?
The average cost of solar panels in Miles City is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Miles City is currently $169,500, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,950 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Miles City is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.