Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fargo, ND (2025 Update)
- Fargo Solar Installation Cost: $44,291
- 25-Year Savings: $40,825
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fargo
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fargo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fargo typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fargo, most homeowners require a 17.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $44,291, or $63,336 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fargo can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Fargo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fargo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,989 |
| 3 years | $-40,384 |
| 5 years | $-37,779 |
| 7 years | $-35,174 |
| 9 years | $-32,569 |
| 11 years | $-29,965 |
| 13 years | $-27,360 |
| 15 years | $-24,755 |
| 17 years | $-22,150 |
| 19 years | $-19,545 |
| 21 years | $-16,941 |
| 23 years | $-14,336 |
| 25 years | $-11,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Fargo
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Fargo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fargo
For many Fargo homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fargo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fargo provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,386 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,582 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,979 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,576 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,373 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,372 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,570 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,969 | 14.1 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Fargo, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fargo?
The average cost of solar panels in Fargo is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fargo?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fargo is currently $291,493, which means you can expect a value of about $11,951 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fargo is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.