Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brevard, NC (2023 Update)
- Brevard Solar Installation Cost: $12,227
- 25-Year Savings: $24,306
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brevard
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Brevard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brevard, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. The average Brevard homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,233 with the federal tax credit, or $17,493 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Brevard can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brevard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,106 |
| 3 years | $-11,862 |
| 5 years | $-11,618 |
| 7 years | $-11,375 |
| 9 years | $-11,131 |
| 11 years | $-10,888 |
| 13 years | $-10,644 |
| 15 years | $-10,401 |
| 17 years | $-10,157 |
| 19 years | $-9,913 |
| 21 years | $-9,670 |
| 23 years | $-9,426 |
| 25 years | $-9,183 |
Top Solar Installers in Brevard
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brevard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brevard
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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,540 per kilowatt in Brevard. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brevard to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brevard 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Brevard's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brevard are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $20,779 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,990 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $35,343 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $42,838 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $50,476 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $58,255 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $66,177 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $74,242 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Brevard, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brevard?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,062.46 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.