Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Home, NC (2024 Update)
- Mountain Home Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $18,224
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain Home
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mountain Home.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mountain Home it’s 4 per watt.The average Mountain Home homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,863 with the federal tax credit, or $24,114 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mountain Home homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Mountain Home can save around $17,000 on their power 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 Mountain Home
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,491 |
| 3 years | $-12,747 |
| 5 years | $-10,004 |
| 7 years | $-7,260 |
| 9 years | $-4,517 |
| 11 years | $-1,773 |
| 13 years | $970 |
| 15 years | $3,714 |
| 17 years | $6,458 |
| 19 years | $9,201 |
| 21 years | $11,945 |
| 23 years | $14,688 |
| 25 years | $17,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain Home
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mountain Home
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Home
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Mountain Home, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mountain Home average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mountain Home have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Mountain Home, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Mountain Home know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $11,268 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $15,418 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $19,763 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $24,306 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $29,045 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $33,980 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $39,112 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $44,441 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mountain Home, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain Home?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.