At Black Hills Solar, we're committed to helping you make informed decisions tailored to your needs. For further guidance, dive into our Pricing page or click "Get Started."
Comparing Solar Power Systems
Price-Per-Watt: This metric divides the total installed price (excluding battery components) by the system's total power rating in watts. For instance, installing a 6,000-watt (6 kW) solar power system at $15,000 equates to $2.50 per watt. This method offers a straightforward way to gauge and compare the costs of solar installations, primarily from an energy investment perspective.
Price-Per-Panel: Particularly useful for assessing the cost of expanding your solar system, the price-per-panel method helps estimate the investment required for additional panels. Our rooftop solar installations typically cost between $800 and $1,000 per solar panel for grid-tie only. When paired with a Tesla Powerwall, solar panels add $500 to $600 each.
Factors Influencing Pricing
Several elements affect the final price of a solar power system:
Equipment Selection: Microinverters and other module-level power electronics have additional material and installation costs compared to string inverters, and the latest, highest-efficiency solar panels have a higher cost per watt.
Battery Systems: Battery systems add to equipment costs and may or may not require significant electrical work for integration. Getting a battery system upfront is more cost-effective than adding one later on.
Roof Type: Complex solar panel layouts, second-story rooftops, steep roofs (9:12 and steeper), and certain roofing types (i.e., tile) may require extra labor and/or mechanical lifts for installation and maintenance.
Ground Mounts: ground-based solar arrays add material and installation costs compared to roof-mounted options.
Electrical Work: Breaker panel locations and wire lengths needed affect material and installation costs. Service panel upgrades, when necessary, add costs.
Economy of Scale: Larger solar panel installations tend to lower the price-per-panel because fixed costs, like wiring, do not significantly increase with scale.
Tax Incentive
Federal Tax Credit: Our pricing/quotes do not include the federal investment tax credit. You claim the tax credit when you do your taxes for the year the system is installed. The tax credit is 30% of the installed price (qualifying solar electric and energy storage property costs). The credit balance also carries over each year until fully utilized. See IRS form 5695 to learn more.
Making Solar Work for You
At Black Hills Solar, we believe in a future where solar energy is accessible and affordable for everyone. Whether you're considering adding solar panels to your rooftop or integrating a state-of-the-art battery system, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Visit our Pricing page or click "Get Started" for further information.
