Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gillette, WY (2024 Update)
- Gillette Solar Installation Cost: $38,682
- 25-Year Savings: $41,436
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gillette
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Gillette.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gillette is 4 per watt.Since a 15.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gillette, the average price of going solar will be about $38,682 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gillette depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Gillette, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gillette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-37,525 |
| 3 years | $-35,211 |
| 5 years | $-32,897 |
| 7 years | $-30,583 |
| 9 years | $-28,269 |
| 11 years | $-25,955 |
| 13 years | $-23,641 |
| 15 years | $-21,327 |
| 17 years | $-19,014 |
| 19 years | $-16,700 |
| 21 years | $-14,386 |
| 23 years | $-12,072 |
| 25 years | $-9,758 |
Top Solar Installers in Gillette
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Gillette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gillette
The cost of installing a solar system in Gillette 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $3,580. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gillette, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gillette to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Gillette, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $11,263 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $15,418 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $19,774 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $24,330 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $29,087 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $34,044 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $39,201 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $44,559 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Gillette, WY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gillette?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.
Is it worth going solar in Gillette?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.
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.