Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brevard, NC (2023 Update)
- Brevard Solar Installation Cost: $12,233
- 25-Year Savings: $24,300
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brevard
We break down average solar pricing in Brevard.
In Brevard, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Brevard, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,233, or $17,493 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Brevard depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Brevard homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Brevard for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Brevard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,771 |
| 3 years | $-7,849 |
| 5 years | $-4,926 |
| 7 years | $-2,003 |
| 9 years | $919 |
| 11 years | $3,842 |
| 13 years | $6,764 |
| 15 years | $9,687 |
| 17 years | $12,610 |
| 19 years | $15,532 |
| 21 years | $18,455 |
| 23 years | $21,377 |
| 25 years | $24,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Brevard
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels 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 (coming 2022)
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Brevard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,540 per kilowatt in Brevard. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Brevard homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Brevard's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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.