Solar Panel Cost Guide in Black Mountain, NC (2024 Update)
- Black Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $17,115
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Black Mountain
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Black Mountain.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Black Mountain generally cost around 4.The average Black Mountain homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,115 with the federal tax credit, or $24,474 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Black Mountain find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Black Mountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,644 |
| 3 years | $-12,702 |
| 5 years | $-9,759 |
| 7 years | $-6,817 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-933 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $4,951 |
| 17 years | $7,894 |
| 19 years | $10,836 |
| 21 years | $13,778 |
| 23 years | $16,720 |
| 25 years | $19,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Black Mountain
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost 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
See all of the solar companies in Black Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Black Mountain
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Black Mountain: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Black Mountain average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Black Mountain to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Black Mountain’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Black Mountain know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,185 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,640 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,291 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,139 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,184 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,425 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,863 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,497 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Black Mountain, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Black Mountain?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Black Mountain?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Black Mountain is currently $450,340, so you could be looking at a value of about $18,464 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Black Mountain is a rewarding investment.
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 amount of 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 buy 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.