Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, NC (2023 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $12,432
- 25-Year Savings: $20,725
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
See how much it might cost to go solar in Hudson.
In Hudson, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To cover 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 $12,428, or $17,772 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Hudson based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Hudson homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Hudson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,322 |
| 3 years | $-12,101 |
| 5 years | $-11,880 |
| 7 years | $-11,659 |
| 9 years | $-11,438 |
| 11 years | $-11,217 |
| 13 years | $-10,996 |
| 15 years | $-10,775 |
| 17 years | $-10,554 |
| 19 years | $-10,332 |
| 21 years | $-10,111 |
| 23 years | $-9,890 |
| 25 years | $-9,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hudson, 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
See all of the solar companies in Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
For many Hudson homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hudson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,540. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $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 solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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 secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hudson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Hudson?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.