Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kannapolis, NC (2023 Update)
- Kannapolis Solar Installation Cost: $12,206
- 25-Year Savings: $18,576
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kannapolis
We break down average solar pricing in Kannapolis.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kannapolis it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kannapolis is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,197 for a solar installation, or $17,442 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Kannapolis that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kannapolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,883 |
| 3 years | $-8,239 |
| 5 years | $-5,595 |
| 7 years | $-2,951 |
| 9 years | $-306 |
| 11 years | $2,338 |
| 13 years | $4,982 |
| 15 years | $7,626 |
| 17 years | $10,271 |
| 19 years | $12,915 |
| 21 years | $15,559 |
| 23 years | $18,203 |
| 25 years | $20,848 |
Top Solar Installers in Kannapolis
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Kannapolis is $12,197, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,540. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kannapolis offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Kannapolis' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $15,809 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,363 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,060 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,899 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,879 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,003 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,268 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,676 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kannapolis?
The average cost of solar panels in Kannapolis 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kannapolis?
A solar panel system isn't free in Kannapolis, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kannapolis?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.