Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cullowhee, NC (2025 Update)
- Cullowhee Solar Installation Cost: $17,279
- 25-Year Savings: $21,833
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cullowhee
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cullowhee.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cullowhee it’s 4 per watt.The average Cullowhee homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,279 with the federal tax credit, or $24,709 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cullowhee can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cullowhee for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cullowhee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,808 |
| 3 years | $-12,866 |
| 5 years | $-9,923 |
| 7 years | $-6,981 |
| 9 years | $-4,039 |
| 11 years | $-1,097 |
| 13 years | $1,845 |
| 15 years | $4,788 |
| 17 years | $7,730 |
| 19 years | $10,672 |
| 21 years | $13,614 |
| 23 years | $16,556 |
| 25 years | $19,499 |
Top Solar Installers in Cullowhee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Cullowhee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cullowhee
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cullowhee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cullowhee have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,964 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,011 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,256 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,696 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $35,334 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $41,168 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $47,198 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $53,425 | 11.3 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Cullowhee, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cullowhee?
The average cost of solar panels in Cullowhee is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cullowhee?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cullowhee, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Cullowhee?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.