Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hardin, MT (2024 Update)
- Hardin Solar Installation Cost: $40,389
- 25-Year Savings: $32,563
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hardin
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hardin.
In Hardin, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hardin, most homeowners require a 16.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $40,389, or $57,756 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hardin homeowners. 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.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hardin find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Hardin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hardin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-39,116 |
| 3 years | $-36,571 |
| 5 years | $-34,026 |
| 7 years | $-31,481 |
| 9 years | $-28,936 |
| 11 years | $-26,390 |
| 13 years | $-23,845 |
| 15 years | $-21,300 |
| 17 years | $-18,755 |
| 19 years | $-16,210 |
| 21 years | $-13,665 |
| 23 years | $-11,120 |
| 25 years | $-8,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Hardin
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Hardin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hardin
The cost of installing a solar system in Hardin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hardin, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hardin offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Hardin, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $7,261 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $10,070 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $13,073 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $16,271 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $19,663 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $23,249 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $27,029 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $31,004 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Hardin, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hardin?
The average cost of solar panels in Hardin is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hardin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hardin, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.