Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena Valley Southeast, MT (2024 Update)
- Helena Valley Southeast Solar Installation Cost: $41,495
- 25-Year Savings: $22,582
- Payback Period: 19.6 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 Helena Valley Southeast
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Helena Valley Southeast.
In Helena Valley Southeast, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Helena Valley Southeast 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.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Helena Valley Southeast can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Helena Valley Southeast
| 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 Valley Southeast
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Helena Valley Southeast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena Valley Southeast
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 nearly $3,470. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Helena Valley Southeast average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher 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 installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Helena Valley Southeast know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 numerous companies available in Helena Valley Southeast, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Valley Southeast, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helena Valley Southeast?
The average cost of solar panels in Helena Valley Southeast 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Helena Valley Southeast?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Helena Valley Southeast?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.