Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conover, NC (2023 Update)
- Conover Solar Installation Cost: $12,191
- 25-Year Savings: $20,589
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conover
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Conover.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Conover typically cost about 2.54. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Conover, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,197, or $17,442 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Conover homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Conover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Conover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,082 |
| 3 years | $-11,863 |
| 5 years | $-11,645 |
| 7 years | $-11,426 |
| 9 years | $-11,208 |
| 11 years | $-10,989 |
| 13 years | $-10,771 |
| 15 years | $-10,552 |
| 17 years | $-10,334 |
| 19 years | $-10,115 |
| 21 years | $-9,897 |
| 23 years | $-9,678 |
| 25 years | $-9,460 |
Top Solar Installers in Conover
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Conover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conover
For many Conover homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Conover, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Conover, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Conover, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Conover homeowners, they can also increase 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
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Conover, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Conover know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $17,589 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,737 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,027 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,459 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,033 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,750 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $56,608 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $63,609 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Conover, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Conover?
The average cost of solar panels in Conover is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Conover?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Conover have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.