Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, MT (2024 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $42,262
- 25-Year Savings: $1
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
We go over average solar pricing in Sidney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sidney typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 17.4-kW system would cost about $42,262 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sidney homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Sidney homeowner can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sidney for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-41,121 |
| 3 years | $-38,840 |
| 5 years | $-36,560 |
| 7 years | $-34,279 |
| 9 years | $-31,998 |
| 11 years | $-29,717 |
| 13 years | $-27,437 |
| 15 years | $-25,156 |
| 17 years | $-22,875 |
| 19 years | $-20,594 |
| 21 years | $-18,314 |
| 23 years | $-16,033 |
| 25 years | $-13,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sidney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney
The cost of installing a solar system in Sidney can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sidney homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sidney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $3,469 | 20.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $5,014 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $6,753 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $8,687 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $10,814 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $13,137 | 18.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $15,653 | 18.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $18,364 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Sidney, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sidney?
The average cost of solar panels in Sidney 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Sidney?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sidney. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $620.86 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.