Solar Panel Cost Guide in Devils Lake, ND (2024 Update)
- Devils Lake Solar Installation Cost: $44,673
- 25-Year Savings: $35,644
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Devils Lake
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Devils Lake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Devils Lake it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Devils Lake, most homeowners require a 17.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $44,673, or $63,882 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Devils Lake homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Devils Lake find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Devils Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-43,461 |
| 3 years | $-41,038 |
| 5 years | $-38,614 |
| 7 years | $-36,190 |
| 9 years | $-33,767 |
| 11 years | $-31,343 |
| 13 years | $-28,920 |
| 15 years | $-26,496 |
| 17 years | $-24,073 |
| 19 years | $-21,649 |
| 21 years | $-19,226 |
| 23 years | $-16,802 |
| 25 years | $-14,378 |
Top Solar Installers in Devils Lake
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Devils Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Devils Lake
While the average cost of a solar system in Devils Lake is $44,673, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Devils Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $6,523 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $9,099 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $11,875 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $14,851 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $18,028 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $21,405 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $24,983 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $28,761 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Devils Lake, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Devils Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.