Cost of Solar Panels in North Dakota (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in North Dakota?

With professional installation, a typical 10-kilowatt residential solar panel system in North Dakota costs $43,000.  The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your overall solar costs.

Solar panel costs by system size in North Dakota

Are solar panels worth it in North Dakota?

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering in North Dakota if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence.  

Dark winters and cheap coal power have long made North Dakotans skeptical of solar. But with cheaper, more efficient equipment on the market, more households are seeing solar panels in a new light, both for cost savings and environmental benefits.

Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 17.22 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Electricity is relatively cheap in North Dakota, so going solar will save you less than the average homeowner in California or New York, where solar panels typically pay for themselves within six years.

On average, you’ll spend $21,500 to $43,000 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same time period, you’d avoid approximately $17,361 in total utility costs. Backup power during outages and doing your part for the planet are tangible perks beyond dollars and cents that make solar worth it for many.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in North Dakota

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. You’ll hear installers talk about how “efficient” their panels are.

Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Additional solar equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. Prices depend on storage capacity, life span, brand and other factors. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some solar batteries cost $30,000 or more.

• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.

• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone monitoring system for $80 to $400.

Size of your system

The average size of solar systems in North Dakota is 10.8 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

You can determine what size system you need with some quick math. First, find out the amount of electricity you used in the last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You’ll find this information through your electric bill’s online account dashboard. Then, divide your annual kWh by 1,200 to find the system size you need.

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall them. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

Local permits and fees

Permit fees can vary quite a bit. For example, in Bismarck, solar installations require a building permit that can be obtained through the Building Inspections Division. The cost of the permit depends on the project valuation.

Many solar companies manage the permit process for you. Don't forget to ask if a company you’re considering provides this service when you're finalizing your agreement. It can make your solar installation journey much smoother.

How can I pay for solar panels in North Dakota?

Solar panels are expensive, but you don’t have to pay the full cost upfront. Ideally, the savings on your electric bill are enough to offset some or all of your monthly loan or lease payment.

• Solar loanswork like other home improvement loans. You apply, get approved and repay the loan with interest over time. Solar loan terms typically last eight to 20 years.

• Solar leases let you install solar with little or no upfront cost. You make monthly lease payments instead of owning the system, and whether you save money depends on the lease terms and how much electricity the system produces.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in North Dakota

The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, and North Dakota offers few incentives to lower the upfront cost of solar. There are no major statewide rebates.

On the bright side, eligible solar equipment may be exempt from property taxes for five years, so adding solar may not raise your tax bill during that time if the system increases your home value.

» EXPLORE: North Dakota solar incentives, tax credits & rebates

More ways to save money on solar panels in North Dakota

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in North Dakota:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in North Dakota. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value. Don't just go with the cheapest option without vetting quality and services.

• Lower your electrical load: Before going solar, it’s smart to upgrade any old appliances. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Compare solar installation companies in North Dakota

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in North Dakota.

FAQ

Bottom line

Your solar system will cost whatever you put into it. Higher quality panels, optional equipment, permits and more will raise the price. Here are some of the main factors that determine solar energy system costs and what to expect.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in North Dakota and other states. North Dakota may not have the cheapest solar in the United States, but with the ITC and the local solar incentive, going solar may still be within your reach.

Solar costs vs. savings: North Dakota and nearby states