Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conover, NC (2024 Update)
- Conover Solar Installation Cost: $16,847
- 25-Year Savings: $20,589
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conover
We break down average solar pricing in Conover.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Conover, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Conover is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,847 for a solar installation, or $24,091 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Conover depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Conover find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Conover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,525 |
| 3 years | $-12,881 |
| 5 years | $-10,236 |
| 7 years | $-7,592 |
| 9 years | $-4,948 |
| 11 years | $-2,304 |
| 13 years | $341 |
| 15 years | $2,985 |
| 17 years | $5,629 |
| 19 years | $8,273 |
| 21 years | $10,918 |
| 23 years | $13,562 |
| 25 years | $16,206 |
Top Solar Installers in Conover
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Conover, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Conover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conover
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Conover to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Conover homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $13,352 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,196 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,237 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,474 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,907 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $39,537 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $45,364 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $51,387 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Conover, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Conover?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Conover?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Conover. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Does Conover have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.