Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northchase, NC (Mar 2023)
- Northchase Solar Installation Cost: $11,326
- 25-Year Savings: $18,619
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northchase
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Northchase.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northchase it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Northchase is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,326 for a solar installation, or $16,196 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northchase homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Northchase homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northchase
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,128 |
| 3 years | $-7,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,337 |
| 7 years | $-2,941 |
| 9 years | $-546 |
| 11 years | $1,850 |
| 13 years | $4,245 |
| 15 years | $6,641 |
| 17 years | $9,036 |
| 19 years | $11,432 |
| 21 years | $13,828 |
| 23 years | $16,223 |
| 25 years | $18,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Northchase
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
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 (coming 2022)
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 Northchase
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northchase
There are several criteria 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northchase average.
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 Northchase homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Northchase, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,103 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,088 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,215 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,485 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,897 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,452 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,148 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $61,987 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Northchase, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Northchase, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northchase?
The average cost of solar panels in Northchase is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Northchase?
You can't get solar panels for free in Northchase. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Northchase?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.