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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mountain Home, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mountain Home, the average price of going solar will be about $16,863 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Mountain Home depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Mountain Home homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Mountain Home, you can 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Mountain Home
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Home
There are many factors that can determine 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 cost of a solar energy system in Mountain Home, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mountain Home average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mountain Home homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Mountain Home, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Mountain Home know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Mountain Home, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain Home?
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain Home is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
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% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.