Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Fargo, ND (2024 Update)

  • West Fargo Solar Installation Cost: $44,291
  • 25-Year Savings: $41,960
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Fargo

We go over average solar pricing in West Fargo.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Fargo, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Fargo is around 17.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $44,291 for a solar installation, or $63,336 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Fargo depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Fargo find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.

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 on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you're looking for a solar company in West Fargo, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 West Fargo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Fargo

There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel 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

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,580 per kilowatt in West Fargo.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Fargo, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Fargo, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in West Fargo know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $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 model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 West Fargo, ND Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Fargo?

The average cost of solar panels in West Fargo 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in West Fargo?

A solar panel system isn’t free in West Fargo, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Fargo?

The majority of states have 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 energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.

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