Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley City, ND (2025 Update)
- Valley City Solar Installation Cost: $44,088
- 25-Year Savings: $29,645
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Valley City.
In Valley City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Valley City homeowner needs a 17.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $44,088 with the federal tax credit, or $63,046 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley City find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley City
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-42,876 |
3 years | $-40,453 |
5 years | $-38,029 |
7 years | $-35,605 |
9 years | $-33,182 |
11 years | $-30,758 |
13 years | $-28,335 |
15 years | $-25,911 |
17 years | $-23,488 |
19 years | $-21,064 |
21 years | $-18,641 |
23 years | $-16,217 |
25 years | $-13,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley City
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Valley City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley City
For many Valley City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Valley City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Valley City is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $4,637 | 19.3 years |
8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $6,583 | 18.9 years |
10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $8,730 | 18.5 years |
12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $11,078 | 18.2 years |
14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $13,626 | 17.8 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $16,375 | 17.4 years |
18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $19,323 | 17.1 years |
20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $22,473 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Valley City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Valley City, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley City?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley City 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 use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Valley City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 home 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.