Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kannapolis, NC (2024 Update)
- Kannapolis Solar Installation Cost: $16,867
- 25-Year Savings: $18,576
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kannapolis
We go over average solar pricing in Kannapolis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kannapolis, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Kannapolis, the average price of going solar will be about $16,867 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Kannapolis homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kannapolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,545 |
| 3 years | $-12,900 |
| 5 years | $-10,256 |
| 7 years | $-7,612 |
| 9 years | $-4,968 |
| 11 years | $-2,323 |
| 13 years | $321 |
| 15 years | $2,965 |
| 17 years | $5,609 |
| 19 years | $8,254 |
| 21 years | $10,898 |
| 23 years | $13,542 |
| 25 years | $16,186 |
Top Solar Installers in Kannapolis
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kannapolis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kannapolis
Though the average cost of a solar system in Kannapolis is $16,867, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in Kannapolis.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kannapolis, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kannapolis homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Kannapolis, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,572 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $15,823 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,270 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $24,914 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $29,754 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $34,790 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $40,024 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $45,454 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Kannapolis, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kannapolis?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kannapolis, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Kannapolis?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.