EnergyTools

Solar Cost Per Watt in North Dakota

Average $$2.80/W • Rank #$16 of 51 • 13-year payback • Updated 2026

Urgent tax credit deadlines

  • Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
  • Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
See the full deadline tracker

Cost Per Watt

$2.80

avg in North Dakota

vs National

$-0.27

(-8.8%)

Payback (8kW)

13 yrs

avg

Sun Hours/Day

3.8

peak

Comparing installer quotes in North Dakota?

Use our free Quote Comparison Tool — normalizes cost per watt, verifies production with NREL, and flags misleading quotes.

Compare Quotes →

Cost Per Watt by System Size in North Dakota

Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).

$3.08
4kW
$2.94
5kW
$2.86
6kW
$2.80
7kW
$2.74
8kW
$2.66
10kW
$2.58
15kW

Bars show North Dakota's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.

System Size Cost Per Watt Total Cost vs National Avg
4 kW $3.08/W $11,200 +$0.01
5 kW $2.94/W $14,000 $-0.13
6 kW $2.86/W $16,800 $-0.21
7 kW $2.80/W $19,600 $-0.27
8 kW $2.74/W $22,400 $-0.33
10 kW $2.66/W $28,000 $-0.41
15 kW $2.58/W $42,000 $-0.49

Solar Cost Overview for North Dakota

In North Dakota, the average installed cost for residential solar is $2.80 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $2.80/W to $2.80/W depending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. North Dakota ranks #16 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 10 states have cheaper solar.

North Dakota is below the national average — solar is competitive here.

What's Driving North Dakota's Solar Costs?

North Dakota's $$2.80/W average reflects a combination of near average equipment costs, above-average local utility rates ($0.180/kWh vs national avg $0.1490/kWh), and below-average solar resource (3.8 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).

Note on panel pricing: Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels that qualify for IRA bonus credits. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only but do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or IRA bonus credits. Learn about panel compliance costs →

North Dakota Solar Incentives & Policies

Net Metering

Reduced-rate net billing

State Tax Credit

None

Property Tax Exemption

No

Sales Tax Exemption

No

⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update

The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.

States With Similar Solar Costs

State Avg $/W vs North Dakota Payback Sun Hours
North Dakota (you) $2.80 — 13 yrs 3.8
Florida $2.80 +$0.00 11.8 yrs 5.8
Indiana $2.80 +$0.00 12.5 yrs 4.5
Nebraska $2.80 +$0.00 13.1 yrs 4.4
Nevada $2.80 +$0.00 14 yrs 4.9
North Carolina $2.80 +$0.00 14.5 yrs 4.9
View all 50 states →

North Dakota Solar Cost FAQs

How much do solar panels cost in North Dakota?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in North Dakota costs approximately $22,400 before incentives, at an average of $2.80 per watt. Smaller 5kW systems start around $14,000, while larger 10kW systems can reach $28,000. The exact price depends on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and local permitting costs.
Is North Dakota a cheap or expensive state for solar?
North Dakota's average cost of $2.80/W is $0.27 below the national average of $3.07/W. North Dakota ranks #16 out of 51 (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability. North Dakota is below the national average — solar is competitive here.
What is the payback period for solar in North Dakota?
The average solar payback period in North Dakota is 13 years for an 8kW system costing $22,400 and generating approximately 9,543 kWh per year. With North Dakota's average utility rate of $0.180/kWh, you'd save about $1,718 per year. After the 13-year payback period, the system continues producing electricity for 15+ more years.
Does North Dakota have net metering?
North Dakota offers reduced-rate net billing — excess solar production is credited at a lower rate (often the wholesale rate or avoided cost). This means exported solar is worth less than grid power you import.
What solar incentives are available in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not offer a state solar tax credit, does not exempt solar from property tax, and does not exempt solar equipment from sales tax. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025 — it no longer applies to 2026 installations on owned primary residences. The Section 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.
How many peak sun hours does North Dakota get?
North Dakota receives an average of 3.8 peak sun hours per day, which is below the national average of 4.7. Peak sun hours directly affect solar production — a 8kW system in North Dakota produces approximately 9,543 kWh per year.

Related Tools

Quote Comparison Tool

Compare North Dakota installer quotes side-by-side.

Solar ROI Calculator

Estimate North Dakota payback and savings.

Incentive Finder

North Dakota rebates & tax credits.

North Dakota Solar Payback

Detailed payback analysis by system size.

North Dakota cost-per-watt data based on 2 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.