Solar Panel Cost Guide in Missoula, MT (2024 Update)
- Missoula Solar Installation Cost: $41,500
- 25-Year Savings: $26,617
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Missoula
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Missoula.
The average cost of solar panels in Missoula is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Missoula is around 17.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $41,500 for a solar installation, or $59,345 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Missoula homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Missoula for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Missoula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,255 |
| 3 years | $-37,766 |
| 5 years | $-35,277 |
| 7 years | $-32,788 |
| 9 years | $-30,299 |
| 11 years | $-27,810 |
| 13 years | $-25,321 |
| 15 years | $-22,832 |
| 17 years | $-20,343 |
| 19 years | $-17,854 |
| 21 years | $-15,365 |
| 23 years | $-12,876 |
| 25 years | $-10,386 |
Top Solar Installers in Missoula
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Missoula, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Missoula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Missoula
For many Missoula homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Missoula, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Missoula 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Missoula’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4,858 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,866 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $9,068 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $11,465 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $14,056 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $16,841 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $19,821 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $22,995 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect 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 several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Missoula, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Missoula?
The average cost of solar panels in Missoula is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Missoula?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.