Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutherfordton, NC (2025 Update)
- Rutherfordton Solar Installation Cost: $16,815
- 25-Year Savings: $22,715
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutherfordton
We go over average solar pricing in Rutherfordton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rutherfordton generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,815 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rutherfordton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rutherfordton can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rutherfordton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,493 |
| 3 years | $-12,848 |
| 5 years | $-10,204 |
| 7 years | $-7,560 |
| 9 years | $-4,916 |
| 11 years | $-2,271 |
| 13 years | $373 |
| 15 years | $3,017 |
| 17 years | $5,661 |
| 19 years | $8,306 |
| 21 years | $10,950 |
| 23 years | $13,594 |
| 25 years | $16,238 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutherfordton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Rutherfordton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutherfordton
For many Rutherfordton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rutherfordton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,510. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rutherfordton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rutherfordton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate 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 remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Rutherfordton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $15,251 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,728 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $26,402 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $32,272 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $38,338 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $44,602 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $51,061 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $57,718 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come 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
EcoWatch's Rutherfordton, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutherfordton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Rutherfordton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.