Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mills, WY (2024 Update)
- Mills Solar Installation Cost: $37,412
- 25-Year Savings: $48,105
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mills
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mills.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Mills is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 14.9-kW system would cost about $37,412 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mills homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-36,290 |
| 3 years | $-34,045 |
| 5 years | $-31,800 |
| 7 years | $-29,555 |
| 9 years | $-27,310 |
| 11 years | $-25,065 |
| 13 years | $-22,819 |
| 15 years | $-20,574 |
| 17 years | $-18,329 |
| 19 years | $-16,084 |
| 21 years | $-13,839 |
| 23 years | $-11,594 |
| 25 years | $-9,349 |
Top Solar Installers in Mills
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Mills:
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 Mills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mills
For many Mills homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Mills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mills, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 larger companies.
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 | $14,490 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $19,720 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $25,152 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $30,784 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $36,616 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $42,649 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $48,882 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $55,316 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Mills, WY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mills?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mills?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Mills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Mills?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.