Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bessemer City, NC (2023 Update)
- Bessemer City Solar Installation Cost: $12,108
- 25-Year Savings: $20,119
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bessemer City
We break down average solar pricing in Bessemer City.
In Bessemer City, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. The average Bessemer City homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,108 with the federal tax credit, or $17,314 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bessemer City find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bessemer City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bessemer City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,819 |
| 3 years | $-8,241 |
| 5 years | $-5,663 |
| 7 years | $-3,084 |
| 9 years | $-506 |
| 11 years | $2,072 |
| 13 years | $4,650 |
| 15 years | $7,228 |
| 17 years | $9,807 |
| 19 years | $12,385 |
| 21 years | $14,963 |
| 23 years | $17,541 |
| 25 years | $20,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Bessemer City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Bessemer City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bessemer City
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bessemer City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bessemer City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bessemer City, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bessemer City is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,293 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,341 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,532 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,865 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,341 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,959 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,718 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,621 | 8.5 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Bessemer City, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bessemer City?
The average cost of solar panels in Bessemer City is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bessemer City?
Solar panels aren't free in Bessemer City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bessemer City?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.