Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewistown, MT (2024 Update)
- Lewistown Solar Installation Cost: $42,229
- 25-Year Savings: $37,747
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewistown
We go over average solar pricing in Lewistown.
In Lewistown, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lewistown, most homeowners require a 17.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $42,229, or $60,387 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Lewistown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lewistown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-40,957 |
| 3 years | $-38,412 |
| 5 years | $-35,867 |
| 7 years | $-33,321 |
| 9 years | $-30,776 |
| 11 years | $-28,231 |
| 13 years | $-25,686 |
| 15 years | $-23,141 |
| 17 years | $-20,596 |
| 19 years | $-18,051 |
| 21 years | $-15,505 |
| 23 years | $-12,960 |
| 25 years | $-10,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Lewistown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lewistown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewistown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lewistown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 around $3,470. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lewistown provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea 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
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lewistown, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Lewistown know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $8,538 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $11,772 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $15,201 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $18,824 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $22,642 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $26,654 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $30,860 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $35,260 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Lewistown, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lewistown?
The average cost of solar panels in Lewistown 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 Lewistown?
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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lewistown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.