Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polson, MT (2024 Update)
- Polson Solar Installation Cost: $43,683
- 25-Year Savings: $22,466
- Payback Period: 20.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polson
We break down average solar pricing in Polson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Polson, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Polson, most homeowners require a 18.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $43,683, or $62,467 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Polson can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Polson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Polson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,634 |
| 3 years | $-40,538 |
| 5 years | $-38,441 |
| 7 years | $-36,344 |
| 9 years | $-34,248 |
| 11 years | $-32,151 |
| 13 years | $-30,054 |
| 15 years | $-27,958 |
| 17 years | $-25,861 |
| 19 years | $-23,764 |
| 21 years | $-21,667 |
| 23 years | $-19,571 |
| 25 years | $-17,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Polson
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Polson:
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 Polson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polson
The cost of installing a solar system in Polson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Polson, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Polson to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Polson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $3,006 | 20.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $4,397 | 20.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $5,982 | 20.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $7,761 | 19.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $9,735 | 19.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $11,903 | 18.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $14,265 | 18.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $16,822 | 18.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Polson, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Polson?
The average cost of solar panels in Polson 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Polson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 the average daily 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.