Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickinson, ND (2024 Update)
- Dickinson Solar Installation Cost: $43,390
- 25-Year Savings: $35,562
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dickinson
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dickinson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dickinson it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dickinson is around 17.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $43,390 for a solar installation, or $62,048 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Dickinson homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dickinson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dickinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,104 |
| 3 years | $-39,533 |
| 5 years | $-36,962 |
| 7 years | $-34,391 |
| 9 years | $-31,820 |
| 11 years | $-29,248 |
| 13 years | $-26,677 |
| 15 years | $-24,106 |
| 17 years | $-21,535 |
| 19 years | $-18,964 |
| 21 years | $-16,393 |
| 23 years | $-13,822 |
| 25 years | $-11,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickinson
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted 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 Dickinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickinson
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dickinson: 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 size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dickinson average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dickinson, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dickinson is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Dickinson know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $6,850 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $9,534 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $12,419 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $15,504 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $18,790 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $22,276 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $25,962 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $29,849 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Dickinson, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dickinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Dickinson is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Dickinson?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Dickinson, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dickinson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Dickinson?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.