Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boone, NC (2023 Update)
- Boone Solar Installation Cost: $12,802
- 25-Year Savings: $18,662
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boone
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Boone.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Boone generally cost around 2.54. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Boone, the average price of going solar will be about $12,802 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Boone that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Boone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,443 |
| 3 years | $-8,725 |
| 5 years | $-6,007 |
| 7 years | $-3,289 |
| 9 years | $-571 |
| 11 years | $2,147 |
| 13 years | $4,864 |
| 15 years | $7,582 |
| 17 years | $10,300 |
| 19 years | $13,018 |
| 21 years | $15,736 |
| 23 years | $18,454 |
| 25 years | $21,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Boone
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Boone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boone
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,540 per kilowatt in Boone. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Boone, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $15,125 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,451 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $25,919 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $31,529 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $37,282 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $43,177 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $49,214 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $55,394 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Boone, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boone?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Boone?
Solar panels aren't free in Boone, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $873.98 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.