Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swannanoa, NC (2024 Update)
- Swannanoa Solar Installation Cost: $17,115
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swannanoa
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Swannanoa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Swannanoa, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Swannanoa homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,115 with the federal tax credit, or $24,474 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Swannanoa based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Swannanoa find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Swannanoa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,644 |
| 3 years | $-12,702 |
| 5 years | $-9,759 |
| 7 years | $-6,817 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-933 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $4,951 |
| 17 years | $7,894 |
| 19 years | $10,836 |
| 21 years | $13,778 |
| 23 years | $16,720 |
| 25 years | $19,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Swannanoa
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Swannanoa, optimizing your ROI.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Swannanoa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swannanoa
For many Swannanoa homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Swannanoa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.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 choose 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Swannanoa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Swannanoa provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Swannanoa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Swannanoa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,185 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,640 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,291 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,139 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,184 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,425 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,863 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,497 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Swannanoa, 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Swannanoa, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Swannanoa?
The average cost of solar panels in Swannanoa is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Swannanoa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.