Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orchard Homes, MT (2024 Update)
- Orchard Homes Solar Installation Cost: $41,500
- 25-Year Savings: $26,431
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orchard Homes
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Orchard Homes.
In Orchard Homes, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Orchard Homes 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Orchard Homes homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Orchard Homes can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orchard Homes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,227 |
| 3 years | $-37,682 |
| 5 years | $-35,137 |
| 7 years | $-32,592 |
| 9 years | $-30,047 |
| 11 years | $-27,502 |
| 13 years | $-24,957 |
| 15 years | $-22,411 |
| 17 years | $-19,866 |
| 19 years | $-17,321 |
| 21 years | $-14,776 |
| 23 years | $-12,231 |
| 25 years | $-9,686 |
Top Solar Installers in Orchard Homes
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Orchard Homes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orchard Homes
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Orchard Homes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Orchard Homes, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Orchard Homes homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Orchard Homes homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Orchard Homes, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 major players.
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 | $4,793 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,779 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $8,960 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $11,335 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $13,904 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $16,667 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $19,625 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $22,778 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Orchard Homes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Orchard Homes, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orchard Homes?
The average cost of solar panels in Orchard Homes 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orchard Homes?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Orchard Homes?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install 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.