Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gastonia, NC (2024 Update)
- Gastonia Solar Installation Cost: $16,736
- 25-Year Savings: $20,368
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gastonia
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gastonia.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gastonia is 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gastonia, the average price of going solar will be about $16,736 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gastonia find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Gastonia for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gastonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,414 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-10,125 |
| 7 years | $-7,481 |
| 9 years | $-4,837 |
| 11 years | $-2,193 |
| 13 years | $452 |
| 15 years | $3,096 |
| 17 years | $5,740 |
| 19 years | $8,384 |
| 21 years | $11,029 |
| 23 years | $13,673 |
| 25 years | $16,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Gastonia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Gastonia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Gastonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gastonia
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gastonia, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gastonia, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Gastonia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,277 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,096 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,112 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,324 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,733 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $39,338 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $45,139 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $51,138 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Gastonia, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gastonia?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Gastonia?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.