Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valdese, NC (2024 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 average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Valdese, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,063, or $24,400 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Valdese see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Valdese:
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 Valdese
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valdese
The cost of installing a solar system in Valdese can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Valdese, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $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 available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Valdese, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valdese?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Valdese?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.