Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Fargo, ND (2025 Update)
- West Fargo Solar Installation Cost: $44,291
- 25-Year Savings: $41,960
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Fargo
We go over average solar pricing in West Fargo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Fargo generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 17.7-kW system would cost about $44,291 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Fargo find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in West Fargo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Fargo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,989 |
| 3 years | $-40,384 |
| 5 years | $-37,779 |
| 7 years | $-35,174 |
| 9 years | $-32,569 |
| 11 years | $-29,965 |
| 13 years | $-27,360 |
| 15 years | $-24,755 |
| 17 years | $-22,150 |
| 19 years | $-19,545 |
| 21 years | $-16,941 |
| 23 years | $-14,336 |
| 25 years | $-11,731 |
Top Solar Installers in West Fargo
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Fargo, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in West Fargo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Fargo
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,580. 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 are often more expensive 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 more 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Fargo to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Fargo, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,096 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,621 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,347 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $23,273 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,399 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,726 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $36,254 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's West Fargo, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Fargo?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Fargo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Fargo. However, you may still be able to afford 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 West Fargo have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.