Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Fargo, ND (2023 Update)
- West Fargo Solar Installation Cost: $29,940
- 25-Year Savings: $41,960
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Fargo
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Fargo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Fargo, the average cost of solar panels is 2.42 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West Fargo, most homeowners require a 17.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $29,933, or $42,804 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in West Fargo based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in West Fargo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Fargo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-29,700 |
| 3 years | $-29,221 |
| 5 years | $-28,741 |
| 7 years | $-28,262 |
| 9 years | $-27,783 |
| 11 years | $-27,303 |
| 13 years | $-26,824 |
| 15 years | $-26,345 |
| 17 years | $-25,865 |
| 19 years | $-25,386 |
| 21 years | $-24,907 |
| 23 years | $-24,427 |
| 25 years | $-23,948 |
Top Solar Installers in West Fargo
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Fargo:
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 West Fargo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Fargo
The cost of installing a solar system in West Fargo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Fargo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,838 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.47 | $13,823 | $18,722 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.42 | $16,940 | $23,741 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.37 | $19,921 | $28,896 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.32 | $22,767 | $34,186 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.27 | $25,478 | $39,612 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.23 | $28,053 | $45,173 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.18 | $30,492 | $50,870 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences 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: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 West Fargo, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Fargo?
The average cost of solar panels in West Fargo 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in West Fargo?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.