Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cornelius, NC (2024 Update)

  • Cornelius Solar Installation Cost: $16,767
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,282
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Cornelius

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cornelius.

In Cornelius, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cornelius, the average price of going solar will be about $16,767 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cornelius see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cornelius

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,445
3 years $-12,801
5 years $-10,157
7 years $-7,513
9 years $-4,868
11 years $-2,224
13 years $420
15 years $3,064
17 years $5,709
19 years $8,353
21 years $10,997
23 years $13,641
25 years $16,286

Top Solar Installers in Cornelius

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

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 in Cornelius:

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 Cornelius

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cornelius

The cost of installing a solar system in Cornelius can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,510. The type of 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cornelius average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cornelius to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cornelius, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $12,289 13.9 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $16,778 13.6 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $21,464 13.3 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $26,346 13.1 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $31,425 12.8 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $36,701 12.5 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $42,173 12.3 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $47,841 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

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 Cornelius, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cornelius?

The average cost of solar panels in Cornelius 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.

Are solar panels free in Cornelius?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Cornelius. However, you may still be able to install 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cornelius is currently $496,325, which means you could be looking at a value of about $20,349 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cornelius is a fruitful investment.

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

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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