Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmont, NC (2023 Update)
- Belmont Solar Installation Cost: $12,111
- 25-Year Savings: $20,206
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmont
We go over average solar pricing in Belmont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belmont it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Belmont is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,108 for a solar installation, or $17,314 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Belmont depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Belmont see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,003 |
| 3 years | $-11,788 |
| 5 years | $-11,572 |
| 7 years | $-11,357 |
| 9 years | $-11,142 |
| 11 years | $-10,926 |
| 13 years | $-10,711 |
| 15 years | $-10,495 |
| 17 years | $-10,280 |
| 19 years | $-10,064 |
| 21 years | $-9,849 |
| 23 years | $-9,633 |
| 25 years | $-9,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Belmont
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Belmont, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Belmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmont
For many Belmont homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Belmont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Belmont, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Belmont homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Belmont, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,371 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,446 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,664 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,023 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,525 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,169 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,955 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,883 | 8.4 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Belmont, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Belmont is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Belmont, 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.