Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benson, NC (2024 Update)
- Benson Solar Installation Cost: $17,108
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Benson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Benson it’s 4 per watt.The average Benson homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,108 with the federal tax credit, or $24,464 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Benson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Benson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,636 |
| 3 years | $-12,694 |
| 5 years | $-9,752 |
| 7 years | $-6,810 |
| 9 years | $-3,868 |
| 11 years | $-926 |
| 13 years | $2,017 |
| 15 years | $4,959 |
| 17 years | $7,901 |
| 19 years | $10,843 |
| 21 years | $13,785 |
| 23 years | $16,728 |
| 25 years | $19,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Benson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Benson, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Benson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benson
The cost of installing a solar system in Benson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Benson average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Benson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,604 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,198 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,990 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,977 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,161 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $37,542 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $43,119 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $48,893 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Benson, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benson?
The average cost of solar panels in Benson is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Benson have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.