Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wahpeton, ND (2023 Update)
- Wahpeton Solar Installation Cost: $30,078
- 25-Year Savings: $36,449
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wahpeton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Wahpeton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wahpeton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.42 per watt. The average Wahpeton homeowner needs a 17.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $30,085 with the federal tax credit, or $43,022 before the 30% tax credit 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 consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Wahpeton can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wahpeton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-29,857 |
| 3 years | $-29,413 |
| 5 years | $-28,969 |
| 7 years | $-28,526 |
| 9 years | $-28,082 |
| 11 years | $-27,639 |
| 13 years | $-27,195 |
| 15 years | $-26,752 |
| 17 years | $-26,308 |
| 19 years | $-25,865 |
| 21 years | $-25,421 |
| 23 years | $-24,978 |
| 25 years | $-24,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Wahpeton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Wahpeton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wahpeton
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 with greater 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 $2,420. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wahpeton, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Wahpeton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Wahpeton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 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 | $2.52 | $10,571 | $11,910 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.47 | $13,823 | $16,151 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.42 | $16,940 | $20,527 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.37 | $19,921 | $25,040 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.32 | $22,767 | $29,687 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.27 | $25,478 | $34,470 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.23 | $28,053 | $39,389 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.18 | $30,492 | $44,443 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 past 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 Wahpeton, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wahpeton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wahpeton is about $12,100 for a 5-kW system and $24,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as 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 Wahpeton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 house 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.