Solar Panel Cost Guide in Davidson, NC (2024 Update)

  • Davidson Solar Installation Cost: $16,860
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,467
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Davidson

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Davidson.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Davidson it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $16,860 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Davidson depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Davidson

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,538
3 years$-12,894
5 years$-10,250
7 years$-7,606
9 years$-4,961
11 years$-2,317
13 years$327
15 years$2,971
17 years$5,616
19 years$8,260
21 years$10,904
23 years$13,548
25 years$16,193

Top Solar Installers in Davidson

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

See all of the solar companies in Davidson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Davidson

The cost of installing a solar system in Davidson 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 you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,510. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Davidson provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Davidson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$11,48214.3 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$15,70314.0 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$20,12013.7 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$24,73413.5 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$29,54413.2 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$34,55112.9 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$39,75412.6 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$45,15412.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Davidson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

EcoWatch's Davidson, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Davidson?

The average cost of solar panels in Davidson 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Davidson?

Solar panels aren’t free in Davidson, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Davidson have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.