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.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,115 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Black Mountain can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Black Mountain, you can 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Black Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Black Mountain
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Black Mountain: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,510 per kilowatt in Black Mountain.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Black Mountain, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Black Mountain to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Black Mountain, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Black Mountain, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Black Mountain?
The average cost of solar panels in Black Mountain is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Black Mountain?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.