Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grafton, ND (2024 Update)
- Grafton Solar Installation Cost: $45,124
- 25-Year Savings: $44,504
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grafton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Grafton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grafton it’s 4 per watt.Because a 18.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Grafton, the average price of going solar will be about $45,124 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grafton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-43,656 |
| 3 years | $-40,720 |
| 5 years | $-37,784 |
| 7 years | $-34,847 |
| 9 years | $-31,911 |
| 11 years | $-28,975 |
| 13 years | $-26,038 |
| 15 years | $-23,102 |
| 17 years | $-20,166 |
| 19 years | $-17,229 |
| 21 years | $-14,293 |
| 23 years | $-11,357 |
| 25 years | $-8,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Grafton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Grafton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grafton
The cost of installing a solar system in Grafton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grafton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Grafton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Grafton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,356 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,875 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,595 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,516 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,637 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,958 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,480 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,203 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Grafton, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grafton?
The average cost of solar panels in Grafton 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grafton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Grafton?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 amount 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.