Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, NC (2024 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $17,180
- 25-Year Savings: $20,725
- Payback Period: 13.0 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 Hudson
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hudson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hudson it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Hudson, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,180, or $24,567 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hudson can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,858 |
| 3 years | $-13,214 |
| 5 years | $-10,570 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-5,281 |
| 11 years | $-2,637 |
| 13 years | $7 |
| 15 years | $2,652 |
| 17 years | $5,296 |
| 19 years | $7,940 |
| 21 years | $10,584 |
| 23 years | $13,229 |
| 25 years | $15,873 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hudson, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
There are several factors 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra 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 time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hudson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hudson homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hudson is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 car 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 | $13,120 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,886 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,849 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,009 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,365 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,918 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,667 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,613 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- 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 expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Hudson, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hudson?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hudson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home 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 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 account for 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.