Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watford City, ND (2024 Update)
- Watford City Solar Installation Cost: $43,996
- 25-Year Savings: $25,254
- Payback Period: 20.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watford City
We go over average solar pricing in Watford City.
The average cost of solar panels in Watford City is 4 per watt.The average Watford City homeowner needs a 17.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $43,996 with the federal tax credit, or $62,914 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Watford City can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watford City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,710 |
| 3 years | $-40,139 |
| 5 years | $-37,568 |
| 7 years | $-34,997 |
| 9 years | $-32,426 |
| 11 years | $-29,854 |
| 13 years | $-27,283 |
| 15 years | $-24,712 |
| 17 years | $-22,141 |
| 19 years | $-19,570 |
| 21 years | $-16,999 |
| 23 years | $-14,428 |
| 25 years | $-11,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Watford City
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Watford City, we've organized 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 Watford City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watford City
The cost of installing a solar system in Watford City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,580. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular 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.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Watford City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3,157 | 20.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $4,611 | 20.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $6,265 | 20.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $8,119 | 19.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $10,174 | 19.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $12,429 | 18.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $14,885 | 18.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $17,541 | 18.0 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Watford City, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watford City?
The average cost of solar panels in Watford City is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get 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 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.