Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garner, NC (2024 Update)
- Garner Solar Installation Cost: $17,183
- 25-Year Savings: $17,510
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garner
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Garner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Garner, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Garner, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,183, or $24,572 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Garner homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Garner for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Garner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,712 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-9,828 |
| 7 years | $-6,885 |
| 9 years | $-3,943 |
| 11 years | $-1,001 |
| 13 years | $1,941 |
| 15 years | $4,883 |
| 17 years | $7,825 |
| 19 years | $10,768 |
| 21 years | $13,710 |
| 23 years | $16,652 |
| 25 years | $19,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Garner
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Garner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garner
While the average cost of a solar system in Garner is $17,183, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,510 per kilowatt in Garner.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Garner homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Garner homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $10,359 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $14,205 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $18,247 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $22,486 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $26,922 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $31,554 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $36,383 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $41,408 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Garner, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Garner, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garner?
The average cost of solar panels in Garner is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model 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 Garner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 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.