Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena, MT (2024 Update)
- Helena Solar Installation Cost: $41,495
- 25-Year Savings: $22,582
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena
We go over average solar pricing in Helena.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Helena, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Helena is around 17.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $41,495 for a solar installation, or $59,338 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Helena can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Helena for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,222 |
| 3 years | $-37,677 |
| 5 years | $-35,132 |
| 7 years | $-32,587 |
| 9 years | $-30,042 |
| 11 years | $-27,496 |
| 13 years | $-24,951 |
| 15 years | $-22,406 |
| 17 years | $-19,861 |
| 19 years | $-17,316 |
| 21 years | $-14,771 |
| 23 years | $-12,226 |
| 25 years | $-9,680 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Helena:
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 Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena
For many Helena homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Helena, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Helena, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Helena, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $3,442 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $4,978 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $6,709 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $8,633 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $10,752 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $13,065 | 18.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $15,573 | 18.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $18,275 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Helena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide 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 Helena, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helena?
The average cost of solar panels in Helena is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Helena?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.