Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley City, ND (2024 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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Valley City typically cost about 4.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.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Valley City based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley City find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Valley City, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Valley City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley City
The cost of installing a solar system in Valley City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Valley City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Valley City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Valley City know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $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 lot of companies available in Valley City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Valley City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Valley City?
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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get 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.