Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Trail, NC (Mar 2023)
- Indian Trail Solar Installation Cost: $12,055
- 25-Year Savings: $20,648
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Trail
We break down average solar pricing in Indian Trail.
The average cost of solar panels in Indian Trail is 2.54 per watt. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Indian Trail, the average price of going solar will be about $12,055 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Indian Trail homeowners. The cost 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. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Indian Trail for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Indian Trail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,747 |
| 3 years | $-8,131 |
| 5 years | $-5,514 |
| 7 years | $-2,898 |
| 9 years | $-282 |
| 11 years | $2,334 |
| 13 years | $4,950 |
| 15 years | $7,567 |
| 17 years | $10,183 |
| 19 years | $12,799 |
| 21 years | $15,415 |
| 23 years | $18,031 |
| 25 years | $20,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Trail
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Indian Trail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Trail
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Indian Trail average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Indian Trail offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Indian Trail, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $17,847 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,081 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,456 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,974 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,635 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $50,437 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $57,382 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $64,469 | 8.3 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 durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Indian Trail, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Indian Trail?
The average cost of solar panels in Indian Trail is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Indian Trail have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.