Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, NC (Mar 2023)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $20,729
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hudson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hudson, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,428 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Hudson homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,102 |
| 3 years | $-8,449 |
| 5 years | $-5,797 |
| 7 years | $-3,144 |
| 9 years | $-492 |
| 11 years | $2,161 |
| 13 years | $4,814 |
| 15 years | $7,466 |
| 17 years | $10,119 |
| 19 years | $12,771 |
| 21 years | $15,424 |
| 23 years | $18,077 |
| 25 years | $20,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hudson:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Hudson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hudson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,357 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,427 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,639 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,994 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,491 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,130 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,911 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,835 | 8.4 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. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hudson?
The average cost of solar panels in Hudson is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hudson, 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.
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 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.