Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salisbury, NC (2023 Update)
- Salisbury Solar Installation Cost: $12,215
- 25-Year Savings: $19,036
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salisbury
We break down average solar pricing in Salisbury.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Salisbury typically cost around 2.54. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Salisbury, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,215, or $17,467 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Salisbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salisbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,965 |
| 3 years | $-8,465 |
| 5 years | $-5,965 |
| 7 years | $-3,465 |
| 9 years | $-964 |
| 11 years | $1,536 |
| 13 years | $4,036 |
| 15 years | $6,536 |
| 17 years | $9,036 |
| 19 years | $11,536 |
| 21 years | $14,036 |
| 23 years | $16,536 |
| 25 years | $19,036 |
Top Solar Installers in Salisbury
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Salisbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salisbury
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Salisbury is $12,215, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,540 per kilowatt in Salisbury. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Salisbury average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Salisbury, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Salisbury homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,197 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,880 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,706 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,674 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,784 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $46,036 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $52,431 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $58,967 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Salisbury, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- 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 company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salisbury?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Salisbury?
You can't get solar panels for free in Salisbury. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.