Solar Panel Cost Guide in Etowah, NC (2024 Update)
- Etowah Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $23,598
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Etowah
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Etowah.
In Etowah, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $16,863 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Etowah based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Etowah homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Etowah
| 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 Etowah
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Etowah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Etowah
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,510. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Etowah, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Etowah to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Etowah, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,967 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,682 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,594 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,702 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,007 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,509 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,207 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,101 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Etowah, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer 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: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Etowah, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Etowah?
The average cost of solar panels in Etowah is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Etowah?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Etowah. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Etowah?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 needs 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.