Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickinson, ND (2023 Update)
- Dickinson Solar Installation Cost: $29,330
- 25-Year Savings: $35,562
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dickinson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dickinson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dickinson it's 2.42 per watt. The average Dickinson homeowner needs a 17.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $29,323 with the federal tax credit, or $41,932 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dickinson depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dickinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-28,045 |
| 3 years | $-25,474 |
| 5 years | $-22,903 |
| 7 years | $-20,331 |
| 9 years | $-17,760 |
| 11 years | $-15,189 |
| 13 years | $-12,618 |
| 15 years | $-10,047 |
| 17 years | $-7,476 |
| 19 years | $-4,905 |
| 21 years | $-2,334 |
| 23 years | $237 |
| 25 years | $2,809 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickinson
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dickinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickinson
The cost of installing a solar system in Dickinson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Dickinson, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,420 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 greater 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Dickinson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.52 | $10,571 | $11,917 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.47 | $13,823 | $16,160 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.42 | $16,940 | $20,539 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.37 | $19,921 | $25,053 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.32 | $22,767 | $29,703 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.27 | $25,478 | $34,488 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.23 | $28,053 | $39,409 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.18 | $30,492 | $44,465 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Dickinson, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dickinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Dickinson is about $12,100 for a 5-kW system and $24,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dickinson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dickinson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $749.57 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.