Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntersville, NC (Sep 2022)
- Huntersville Solar Installation Cost: $12,126
- 25-Year Savings: $19,289
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntersville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Huntersville.
In Huntersville, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Huntersville is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,126 for a solar installation, or $8,973 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Huntersville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Huntersville homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Huntersville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Huntersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,869 |
| 3 years | $-8,356 |
| 5 years | $-5,843 |
| 7 years | $-3,330 |
| 9 years | $-816 |
| 11 years | $1,697 |
| 13 years | $4,210 |
| 15 years | $6,723 |
| 17 years | $9,236 |
| 19 years | $11,750 |
| 21 years | $14,263 |
| 23 years | $16,776 |
| 25 years | $19,289 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntersville
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Huntersville, we've 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 (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 Huntersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntersville
For many Huntersville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Huntersville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Huntersville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Huntersville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Huntersville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $16,525 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,318 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,254 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,331 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $40,551 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $46,913 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $53,417 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $60,063 | 8.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Huntersville
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program |
| Incentive Amount | Residential: $0.60/W-AC Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC |
| Incentive Max | Residential: $6,000 Nonresidential: $50,000 Nonprofit: $75,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSNC Energy (Gas) - Green Building Rate Discount |
| Incentive Amount | discount/therm based on seasonal values |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value All other systems: 80% of the appraised value |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Green Building Incentives |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Huntersville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Huntersville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Huntersville?
The average cost of solar panels in Huntersville 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Huntersville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $920.67 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Huntersville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.
