Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena Valley West Central, MT (2024 Update)
- Helena Valley West Central 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 Valley West Central
We go over average solar pricing in Helena Valley West Central.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Helena Valley West Central, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Helena Valley West Central 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 solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Helena Valley West Central homeowner can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Helena Valley West Central that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Helena Valley West Central
| 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 West Central
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Central
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena Valley West Central
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Helena Valley West Central: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Helena Valley West Central offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 West Central, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helena Valley West Central?
The average cost of solar panels in Helena Valley West Central 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helena Valley West Central?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 keep using 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.