Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Fargo, ND (2023 Update)
- West Fargo Solar Installation Cost: $29,933
- 25-Year Savings: $41,967
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Fargo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels 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. The average solar panel system size in West Fargo is around 17.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $29,933 for a solar installation, or $42,804 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Fargo homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Fargo can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Fargo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-27,057 |
| 3 years | $-21,305 |
| 5 years | $-15,553 |
| 7 years | $-9,801 |
| 9 years | $-4,049 |
| 11 years | $1,703 |
| 13 years | $7,455 |
| 15 years | $13,207 |
| 17 years | $18,959 |
| 19 years | $24,711 |
| 21 years | $30,463 |
| 23 years | $36,215 |
| 25 years | $41,967 |
Top Solar Installers in West Fargo
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Fargo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,420 per kilowatt in West Fargo. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Fargo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Fargo to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. West Fargo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Fargo?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,100 for a 5-kW system and $24,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.