Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntersville, NC (2024 Update)
- Huntersville Solar Installation Cost: $16,767
- 25-Year Savings: $19,282
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntersville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Huntersville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Huntersville it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Huntersville, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,767, or $23,977 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Huntersville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Huntersville homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Huntersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,445 |
| 3 years | $-12,801 |
| 5 years | $-10,157 |
| 7 years | $-7,513 |
| 9 years | $-4,868 |
| 11 years | $-2,224 |
| 13 years | $420 |
| 15 years | $3,064 |
| 17 years | $5,709 |
| 19 years | $8,353 |
| 21 years | $10,997 |
| 23 years | $13,641 |
| 25 years | $16,286 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntersville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Huntersville:
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 Huntersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntersville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Huntersville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover 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. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Huntersville, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Huntersville, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Huntersville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Huntersville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,289 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,778 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,464 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,346 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,425 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,701 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $42,173 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,841 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Huntersville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 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 $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to 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 eliminate 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.