Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cullowhee, NC (Mar 2023)
- Cullowhee Solar Installation Cost: $12,499
- 25-Year Savings: $21,837
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 average cost of solar panels in Cullowhee is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cullowhee, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,499, or $17,874 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cullowhee homeowners. The cost 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. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cullowhee see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Cullowhee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cullowhee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,126 |
| 3 years | $-8,379 |
| 5 years | $-5,632 |
| 7 years | $-2,885 |
| 9 years | $-138 |
| 11 years | $2,609 |
| 13 years | $5,356 |
| 15 years | $8,103 |
| 17 years | $10,850 |
| 19 years | $13,597 |
| 21 years | $16,344 |
| 23 years | $19,090 |
| 25 years | $21,837 |
Top Solar Installers in Cullowhee
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar 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 (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 Cullowhee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cullowhee
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cullowhee is $12,499, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Cullowhee, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Cullowhee's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $18,201 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,552 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,046 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,681 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,459 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,380 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,442 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,647 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Cullowhee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Cullowhee, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cullowhee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cullowhee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Cullowhee, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.
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.