Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, NC (2025 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $17,187
- 25-Year Savings: $24,096
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Franklin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Franklin, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Franklin, the average price of going solar will be about $17,187 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Franklin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Franklin homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Franklin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,864 |
| 3 years | $-13,220 |
| 5 years | $-10,576 |
| 7 years | $-7,932 |
| 9 years | $-5,287 |
| 11 years | $-2,643 |
| 13 years | $1 |
| 15 years | $2,645 |
| 17 years | $5,290 |
| 19 years | $7,934 |
| 21 years | $10,578 |
| 23 years | $13,222 |
| 25 years | $15,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Franklin:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Franklin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Franklin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Franklin, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $16,005 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,733 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,657 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,778 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,096 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,610 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,321 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,228 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Franklin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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 what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Franklin, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Franklin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.