Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bismarck, ND (2023 Update)
- Bismarck Solar Installation Cost: $29,348
- 25-Year Savings: $44,318
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bismarck
We break down average solar pricing in Bismarck.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bismarck, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.42 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bismarck is around 17.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $29,340 for a solar installation, or $41,956 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bismarck homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Bismarck homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Bismarck for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Bismarck
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-28,063 |
| 3 years | $-25,492 |
| 5 years | $-22,920 |
| 7 years | $-20,349 |
| 9 years | $-17,778 |
| 11 years | $-15,207 |
| 13 years | $-12,636 |
| 15 years | $-10,065 |
| 17 years | $-7,494 |
| 19 years | $-4,923 |
| 21 years | $-2,352 |
| 23 years | $220 |
| 25 years | $2,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Bismarck
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Bismarck
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bismarck
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Bismarck: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bismarck, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bismarck is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.52 | $10,571 | $14,942 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.47 | $13,823 | $20,193 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.42 | $16,940 | $25,580 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.37 | $19,921 | $31,103 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.32 | $22,767 | $36,761 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.27 | $25,478 | $42,555 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.23 | $28,053 | $48,484 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.18 | $30,492 | $54,548 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Bismarck, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bismarck?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,100 for a 5-kW system and $24,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bismarck?
Solar panels aren't free in Bismarck, 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 can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bismarck is currently $269,451, so you can expect a value of about $11,047 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bismarck is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bismarck?
Even 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.