Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valdese, NC (2025 Update)
- Valdese Solar Installation Cost: $17,063
- 25-Year Savings: $20,268
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valdese
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Valdese.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valdese, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Valdese, the average price of going solar will be about $17,063 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Valdese homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Valdese see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valdese
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,740 |
| 3 years | $-13,096 |
| 5 years | $-10,452 |
| 7 years | $-7,808 |
| 9 years | $-5,163 |
| 11 years | $-2,519 |
| 13 years | $125 |
| 15 years | $2,769 |
| 17 years | $5,414 |
| 19 years | $8,058 |
| 21 years | $10,702 |
| 23 years | $13,346 |
| 25 years | $15,990 |
Top Solar Installers in Valdese
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Valdese:
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 Valdese
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valdese
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Valdese: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Valdese, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Valdese average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Valdese homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valdese homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Valdese is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,848 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,523 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,396 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,465 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,730 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,192 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $43,850 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,705 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Valdese, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valdese?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Valdese?
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 amount 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.