Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmont, NC (2024 Update)
- Belmont Solar Installation Cost: $16,736
- 25-Year Savings: $20,206
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmont
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Belmont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belmont it’s 4 per watt.The average Belmont homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,736 with the federal tax credit, or $23,932 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Belmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,414 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-10,125 |
| 7 years | $-7,481 |
| 9 years | $-4,837 |
| 11 years | $-2,193 |
| 13 years | $452 |
| 15 years | $3,096 |
| 17 years | $5,740 |
| 19 years | $8,384 |
| 21 years | $11,029 |
| 23 years | $13,673 |
| 25 years | $16,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Belmont
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Belmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmont
Although the average cost of a solar system in Belmont is $16,736, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Belmont offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Belmont homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 down 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 | $13,134 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,906 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,874 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,038 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,399 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,956 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,711 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,661 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Belmont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer 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 Belmont, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belmont?
This is a hard 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 cost more 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Belmont?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.