Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain View, NC (2023 Update)
- Mountain View Solar Installation Cost: $12,191
- 25-Year Savings: $18,995
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain View
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mountain View.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mountain View, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mountain View, the average price of going solar will be about $12,197 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mountain View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,869 |
| 3 years | $-8,225 |
| 5 years | $-5,581 |
| 7 years | $-2,936 |
| 9 years | $-292 |
| 11 years | $2,352 |
| 13 years | $4,996 |
| 15 years | $7,641 |
| 17 years | $10,285 |
| 19 years | $12,929 |
| 21 years | $15,573 |
| 23 years | $18,218 |
| 25 years | $20,862 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain View
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
See all of the solar companies in Mountain View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain View
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Mountain View: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mountain View homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mountain View, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $16,194 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,877 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,702 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,669 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,778 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $46,030 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $52,423 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $58,959 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Mountain View, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 View, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mountain View?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mountain View?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.