Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bessemer City, NC (2024 Update)
- Bessemer City Solar Installation Cost: $16,736
- 25-Year Savings: $20,116
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bessemer City
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bessemer City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bessemer City is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bessemer City, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,736, or $23,932 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Bessemer City based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a 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 | $-15,414 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-10,125 |
| 7 years | $-7,481 |
| 9 years | $-4,837 |
| 11 years | $-2,193 |
| 13 years | $452 |
| 15 years | $3,096 |
| 17 years | $5,740 |
| 19 years | $8,384 |
| 21 years | $11,029 |
| 23 years | $13,673 |
| 25 years | $16,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Bessemer City
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bessemer City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bessemer City
For many Bessemer City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bessemer City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,510. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bessemer City offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bessemer City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Bessemer City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,056 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,801 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,742 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,880 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,215 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,746 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,474 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,399 | 11.7 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 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 $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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bessemer City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bessemer City. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Bessemer City?
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.