Solar Panel Cost Guide in Miles City, MT (2024 Update)
- Miles City Solar Installation Cost: $41,061
- 25-Year Savings: $10,378
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Miles City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Miles City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Miles City it’s 3 per watt.The average Miles City homeowner needs a 16.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $41,061 with the federal tax credit, or $58,717 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Miles City can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Miles City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-39,921 |
| 3 years | $-37,640 |
| 5 years | $-35,359 |
| 7 years | $-33,079 |
| 9 years | $-30,798 |
| 11 years | $-28,517 |
| 13 years | $-26,236 |
| 15 years | $-23,956 |
| 17 years | $-21,675 |
| 19 years | $-19,394 |
| 21 years | $-17,113 |
| 23 years | $-14,833 |
| 25 years | $-12,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Miles City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Miles City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Miles City
While the average cost of a solar system in Miles City is $41,061, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Miles City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Miles City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Miles City, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Miles City know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $14,553 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $19,792 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $25,226 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $30,854 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $36,677 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $42,694 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $48,905 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $55,310 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-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 Miles City, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Miles City?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Miles City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Miles City?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.