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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Benson typically cost around 4.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Benson, the average price of going solar will be about $17,108 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Benson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,510. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Benson is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Benson have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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 numerous companies to choose from in Benson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Benson, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Benson?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Benson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.