Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitefish, MT (2024 Update)
- Whitefish Solar Installation Cost: $44,018
- 25-Year Savings: $29,408
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitefish
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Whitefish.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitefish it’s 3 per watt.The average Whitefish homeowner needs a 18.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $44,018 with the federal tax credit, or $62,946 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Whitefish can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitefish
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-43,017 |
| 3 years | $-41,014 |
| 5 years | $-39,011 |
| 7 years | $-37,008 |
| 9 years | $-35,005 |
| 11 years | $-33,002 |
| 13 years | $-30,999 |
| 15 years | $-28,996 |
| 17 years | $-26,993 |
| 19 years | $-24,990 |
| 21 years | $-22,987 |
| 23 years | $-20,984 |
| 25 years | $-18,982 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitefish
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Whitefish:
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 Whitefish
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitefish
The cost of installing a solar system in Whitefish can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Whitefish.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Whitefish, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $5,248 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $7,386 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $9,718 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $12,244 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $14,965 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $17,880 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $20,990 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $24,293 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
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 Whitefish, MT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitefish?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Whitefish?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Whitefish. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.