Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salisbury, NC (2024 Update)
- Salisbury Solar Installation Cost: $16,881
- 25-Year Savings: $19,035
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salisbury
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Salisbury.
In Salisbury, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Salisbury, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,881, or $24,140 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salisbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,559 |
| 3 years | $-12,914 |
| 5 years | $-10,270 |
| 7 years | $-7,626 |
| 9 years | $-4,982 |
| 11 years | $-2,337 |
| 13 years | $307 |
| 15 years | $2,951 |
| 17 years | $5,595 |
| 19 years | $8,240 |
| 21 years | $10,884 |
| 23 years | $13,528 |
| 25 years | $16,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Salisbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Salisbury:
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 Salisbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salisbury
Although the average cost of a solar system in Salisbury is $16,881, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 around $3,510. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salisbury, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Salisbury, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $11,960 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,339 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,916 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $25,689 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $30,658 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $35,824 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,186 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $46,745 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
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 Salisbury, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salisbury?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salisbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.