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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Forks
See how much it might cost to go solar in Grand Forks.
The average cost of a solar system in Grand Forks is 4 per watt.The average Grand Forks homeowner needs a 17.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $44,798 with the federal tax credit, or $64,061 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Grand Forks depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Grand Forks homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
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
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Grand Forks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Forks
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grand Forks: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Grand Forks offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Grand Forks homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Grand Forks, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Grand Forks are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Grand Forks, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Forks?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Forks 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels 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 form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Grand Forks?
Although 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 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.