Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky Mount, VA (Mar 2023)
- Rocky Mount Solar Installation Cost: $14,822
- 25-Year Savings: $21,118
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocky Mount
We go over average solar pricing in Rocky Mount.
The average cost of solar panels in Rocky Mount is 2.75 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rocky Mount, the average price of going solar will be about $14,822 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Rocky Mount homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Rocky Mount for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rocky Mount
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,385 |
| 3 years | $-10,510 |
| 5 years | $-7,634 |
| 7 years | $-4,759 |
| 9 years | $-1,884 |
| 11 years | $991 |
| 13 years | $3,866 |
| 15 years | $6,742 |
| 17 years | $9,617 |
| 19 years | $12,492 |
| 21 years | $15,367 |
| 23 years | $18,242 |
| 25 years | $21,118 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocky Mount
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rocky Mount
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky Mount
The cost of installing a solar system in Rocky Mount can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 $2,750. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rocky Mount to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rocky Mount 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Rocky Mount's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,978 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,612 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,400 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,342 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,439 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,689 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,093 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,651 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Rocky Mount, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Rocky Mount, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocky Mount?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Rocky Mount have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.