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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Flat Rock, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $16,863 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average East Flat Rock homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in East Flat Rock, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 East Flat Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Flat Rock
The cost of installing a solar system in East Flat Rock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Flat Rock, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many East Flat Rock homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout East Flat Rock, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 East Flat Rock, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Flat Rock?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels 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, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,882 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Flat Rock is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.