Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlotte, VT (Mar 2023)
- Charlotte Solar Installation Cost: $11,491
- 25-Year Savings: $22,266
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlotte
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Charlotte.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charlotte it's 2.87 per watt. Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Charlotte, the average price of going solar will be about $11,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Charlotte that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charlotte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,141 |
| 3 years | $-7,441 |
| 5 years | $-4,740 |
| 7 years | $-2,039 |
| 9 years | $661 |
| 11 years | $3,362 |
| 13 years | $6,063 |
| 15 years | $8,763 |
| 17 years | $11,464 |
| 19 years | $14,164 |
| 21 years | $16,865 |
| 23 years | $19,566 |
| 25 years | $22,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlotte
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Charlotte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlotte
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Charlotte: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Charlotte average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Charlotte provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Charlotte 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Charlotte, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $22,879 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $30,826 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $38,935 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $47,204 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $55,634 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $64,225 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $72,976 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $81,888 | 7.7 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous customers.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Charlotte, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlotte?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlotte is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Charlotte?
You can't get solar panels for free in Charlotte. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.