Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wahpeton, ND (2024 Update)
- Wahpeton Solar Installation Cost: $44,496
- 25-Year Savings: $36,449
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wahpeton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wahpeton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wahpeton it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Wahpeton is around 17.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $44,496 for a solar installation, or $63,629 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Wahpeton based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wahpeton find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Wahpeton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wahpeton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-43,284 |
| 3 years | $-40,861 |
| 5 years | $-38,437 |
| 7 years | $-36,013 |
| 9 years | $-33,590 |
| 11 years | $-31,166 |
| 13 years | $-28,743 |
| 15 years | $-26,319 |
| 17 years | $-23,896 |
| 19 years | $-21,472 |
| 21 years | $-19,049 |
| 23 years | $-16,625 |
| 25 years | $-14,201 |
Top Solar Installers in Wahpeton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Wahpeton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wahpeton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wahpeton
For many Wahpeton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wahpeton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,580 per kilowatt in Wahpeton.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wahpeton is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $6,843 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $9,525 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $12,407 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $15,490 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $18,774 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $22,258 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $25,942 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $29,827 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Wahpeton, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wahpeton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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 less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wahpeton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 long do solar panels last in Wahpeton?
On average, solar panels can last 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.