Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Trail, NC (2024 Update)
- Indian Trail Solar Installation Cost: $16,657
- 25-Year Savings: $20,648
- Payback Period: 12.7 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 Indian Trail
See how much it might cost to go solar in Indian Trail.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Indian Trail generally cost around 4.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Indian Trail, the average price of going solar will be about $16,657 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Indian Trail depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Indian Trail homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Indian Trail that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Indian Trail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,335 |
| 3 years | $-12,691 |
| 5 years | $-10,047 |
| 7 years | $-7,403 |
| 9 years | $-4,758 |
| 11 years | $-2,114 |
| 13 years | $530 |
| 15 years | $3,174 |
| 17 years | $5,819 |
| 19 years | $8,463 |
| 21 years | $11,107 |
| 23 years | $13,751 |
| 25 years | $16,396 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Trail
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand 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.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Indian Trail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Trail
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Indian Trail is $16,657, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Indian Trail to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Indian Trail is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Indian Trail know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $13,610 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,540 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,666 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,989 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,509 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,225 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,138 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,247 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Indian Trail, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indian Trail?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Indian Trail?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Indian Trail, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 take a 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 get 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.