Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fletcher, NC (2023 Update)
- Fletcher Solar Installation Cost: $12,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,759
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fletcher
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fletcher.
In Fletcher, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Fletcher is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,197 for a solar installation, or $17,442 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Fletcher based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fletcher for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fletcher
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,919 |
| 3 years | $-8,362 |
| 5 years | $-5,806 |
| 7 years | $-3,249 |
| 9 years | $-693 |
| 11 years | $1,864 |
| 13 years | $4,420 |
| 15 years | $6,977 |
| 17 years | $9,533 |
| 19 years | $12,089 |
| 21 years | $14,646 |
| 23 years | $17,202 |
| 25 years | $19,759 |
Top Solar Installers in Fletcher
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fletcher
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fletcher
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fletcher: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,540. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,842 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,741 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,782 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,965 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,290 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $47,757 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $54,367 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $61,119 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Fletcher, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fletcher?
The average cost of solar panels in Fletcher is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fletcher?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.