Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Forks, ND (2024 Update)

  • Grand Forks Solar Installation Cost: $44,798
  • 25-Year Savings: $44,725
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Forks

See how much it might cost to go solar in Grand Forks.

In Grand Forks, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 17.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Grand Forks, the average price of going solar will be about $44,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Grand Forks see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Grand Forks for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Grand Forks

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-43,330
3 years $-40,394
5 years $-37,457
7 years $-34,521
9 years $-31,585
11 years $-28,648
13 years $-25,712
15 years $-22,776
17 years $-19,839
19 years $-16,903
21 years $-13,967
23 years $-11,030
25 years $-8,094

Top Solar Installers in Grand Forks

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Grand Forks:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Grand Forks

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Forks

There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Grand Forks, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Grand Forks, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $9,538 15.5 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $13,118 15.2 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $16,899 14.9 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $20,880 14.6 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $25,062 14.3 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $29,444 14.0 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $34,026 13.7 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $38,809 13.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Grand Forks, ND Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Forks?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Grand Forks?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Grand Forks. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Grand Forks have a net metering program?

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 power bills.

How long do solar panels last in Grand Forks?

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.

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