Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Flat Rock, NC (2024 Update)
- East Flat Rock Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $18,477
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Flat Rock
See how much it might cost to go solar in East Flat Rock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Flat Rock it’s 4 per watt.The average East Flat Rock homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,863 with the federal tax credit, or $24,114 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in East Flat Rock based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Flat Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,503 |
| 3 years | $-12,785 |
| 5 years | $-10,066 |
| 7 years | $-7,347 |
| 9 years | $-4,628 |
| 11 years | $-1,910 |
| 13 years | $809 |
| 15 years | $3,528 |
| 17 years | $6,247 |
| 19 years | $8,965 |
| 21 years | $11,684 |
| 23 years | $14,403 |
| 25 years | $17,121 |
Top Solar Installers in East Flat Rock
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in East Flat Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Flat Rock
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in East Flat Rock provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in East Flat Rock is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $11,490 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $15,713 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,132 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $24,748 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $29,561 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $34,570 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $39,776 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $45,178 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's East Flat Rock, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Flat Rock?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Flat Rock is currently $289,811, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,882 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Flat Rock is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install 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.