Solar Panel Cost Guide in Black Mountain, NC (2023 Update)
- Black Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $12,385
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Black Mountain
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Black Mountain.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Black Mountain, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,393 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Black Mountain homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Black Mountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,914 |
| 3 years | $-7,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,030 |
| 7 years | $-2,088 |
| 9 years | $855 |
| 11 years | $3,797 |
| 13 years | $6,739 |
| 15 years | $9,681 |
| 17 years | $12,623 |
| 19 years | $15,566 |
| 21 years | $18,508 |
| 23 years | $21,450 |
| 25 years | $24,392 |
Top Solar Installers in Black Mountain
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Black Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Black Mountain
The cost of installing a solar system in Black Mountain can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,540 per kilowatt in Black Mountain. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Black Mountain provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When estimating 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,422 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,181 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,081 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,124 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $40,310 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $46,637 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $53,107 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $59,719 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Black Mountain, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Black Mountain?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Black Mountain?
You can't get solar panels for free in Black Mountain. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Black Mountain, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for 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 get 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.