Solar Panel Cost Guide in Archer Lodge, NC (2024 Update)

  • Archer Lodge Solar Installation Cost: $17,148
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,608
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Archer Lodge

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Archer Lodge.

In Archer Lodge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Archer Lodge is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,148 for a solar installation, or $24,522 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Archer Lodge homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Archer Lodge that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Archer Lodge

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,677
3 years$-12,735
5 years$-9,793
7 years$-6,851
9 years$-3,908
11 years$-966
13 years$1,976
15 years$4,918
17 years$7,860
19 years$10,803
21 years$13,745
23 years$16,687
25 years$19,629

Top Solar Installers in Archer Lodge

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Archer Lodge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Archer Lodge

Although the average cost of a solar system in Archer Lodge is $17,148, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Archer Lodge homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Archer Lodge is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$13,91213.1 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$18,94312.9 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$24,17012.6 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$29,59312.4 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$35,21412.1 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$41,03011.8 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$47,04411.6 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$53,25411.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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 acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Archer Lodge, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Archer Lodge?

The average cost of solar panels in Archer Lodge 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Archer Lodge?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $974.80 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.