Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, MT (2023 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $30,935
- 25-Year Savings: $1
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sidney.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sidney it's 2.54 per watt. Since a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sidney, the average price of going solar will be about $14,935 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Sidney, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-30,848 |
| 3 years | $-30,674 |
| 5 years | $-30,500 |
| 7 years | $-30,326 |
| 9 years | $-30,152 |
| 11 years | $-29,978 |
| 13 years | $-29,804 |
| 15 years | $-29,630 |
| 17 years | $-29,457 |
| 19 years | $-29,283 |
| 21 years | $-29,109 |
| 23 years | $-28,935 |
| 25 years | $-28,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sidney is $14,935, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sidney homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sidney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sidney know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,531 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $10,326 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $13,263 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $16,342 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $19,564 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $22,928 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $26,434 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $30,082 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Sidney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 $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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sidney?
Solar panels aren't free in Sidney, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sidney?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sidney?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.