Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Airy, NC (2023 Update)
- Mount Airy Solar Installation Cost: $12,474
- 25-Year Savings: $22,293
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Airy
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mount Airy.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mount Airy, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mount Airy, the average price of going solar will be about $12,482 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Mount Airy depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mount Airy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,358 |
| 3 years | $-12,127 |
| 5 years | $-11,895 |
| 7 years | $-11,663 |
| 9 years | $-11,431 |
| 11 years | $-11,199 |
| 13 years | $-10,968 |
| 15 years | $-10,736 |
| 17 years | $-10,504 |
| 19 years | $-10,272 |
| 21 years | $-10,040 |
| 23 years | $-9,809 |
| 25 years | $-9,577 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Airy
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Mount Airy:
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 Mount Airy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Airy
There are many factors that can influence your solar system 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
One of the most significant 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 spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Mount Airy. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mount Airy homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,638 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,136 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,775 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,557 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,481 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,547 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,756 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $67,107 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Mount Airy, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Airy?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Airy?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mount Airy. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mount Airy?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.