Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dillon, MT (2024 Update)
- Dillon Solar Installation Cost: $39,333
- 25-Year Savings: $24,164
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dillon
We break down average solar pricing in Dillon.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dillon is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dillon is around 16.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $39,333 for a solar installation, or $56,246 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dillon see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dillon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-38,061 |
| 3 years | $-35,516 |
| 5 years | $-32,970 |
| 7 years | $-30,425 |
| 9 years | $-27,880 |
| 11 years | $-25,335 |
| 13 years | $-22,790 |
| 15 years | $-20,245 |
| 17 years | $-17,700 |
| 19 years | $-15,154 |
| 21 years | $-12,609 |
| 23 years | $-10,064 |
| 25 years | $-7,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Dillon
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Dillon, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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 Dillon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dillon
The cost of installing a solar system in Dillon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Dillon.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 Dillon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dillon have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dillon is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $4,464 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,341 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $8,412 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $10,677 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $13,137 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $15,791 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $18,639 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $21,682 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
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 Dillon, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dillon?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dillon?
Solar panels aren’t free in Dillon, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dillon is currently $365,420, so you can expect a value of about $14,982 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dillon is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.