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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gillette, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 15.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gillette can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Gillette, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Gillette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gillette
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gillette: 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
The size of the solar system you need, 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 nearly $3,580. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gillette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gillette to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gillette homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Gillette, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's Gillette, WY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gillette?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.