Solar Panel Cost Guide in Archer Lodge, NC (Mar 2023)
- Archer Lodge Solar Installation Cost: $12,410
- 25-Year Savings: $21,607
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Archer Lodge
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Archer Lodge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Archer Lodge it's 2.54 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Archer Lodge, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,410, or $17,746 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Archer Lodge homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Archer Lodge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,050 |
| 3 years | $-8,328 |
| 5 years | $-5,607 |
| 7 years | $-2,886 |
| 9 years | $-164 |
| 11 years | $2,557 |
| 13 years | $5,279 |
| 15 years | $8,000 |
| 17 years | $10,721 |
| 19 years | $13,443 |
| 21 years | $16,164 |
| 23 years | $18,885 |
| 25 years | $21,607 |
Top Solar Installers in Archer Lodge
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Archer Lodge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Archer Lodge
The cost of installing a solar system in Archer Lodge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Archer Lodge. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Archer Lodge homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Archer Lodge homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Archer Lodge know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $18,149 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,483 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,960 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,579 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,339 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,243 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,288 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,476 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Archer Lodge, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Archer Lodge?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Archer Lodge, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.