Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutherfordton, NC (2023 Update)
- Rutherfordton Solar Installation Cost: $12,162
- 25-Year Savings: $22,722
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutherfordton
We break down average solar pricing in Rutherfordton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rutherfordton typically cost about 2.54. The average solar panel system size in Rutherfordton is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,162 for a solar installation, or $17,392 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Rutherfordton based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Rutherfordton homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Rutherfordton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rutherfordton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,766 |
| 3 years | $-7,976 |
| 5 years | $-5,185 |
| 7 years | $-2,394 |
| 9 years | $396 |
| 11 years | $3,187 |
| 13 years | $5,978 |
| 15 years | $8,768 |
| 17 years | $11,559 |
| 19 years | $14,350 |
| 21 years | $17,140 |
| 23 years | $19,931 |
| 25 years | $22,722 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutherfordton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rutherfordton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutherfordton
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rutherfordton, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Rutherfordton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,488 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $26,269 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $33,192 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $40,257 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $47,464 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $54,814 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $62,306 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $69,940 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Rutherfordton, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rutherfordton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rutherfordton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Rutherfordton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.