Solar Panel Cost Guide in Etowah, NC (2024 Update)
- Etowah Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $23,598
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Etowah
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Etowah.
The average cost of a solar system in Etowah is 4 per watt.The average Etowah homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,863 with the federal tax credit, or $24,114 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Etowah for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Etowah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,503 |
| 3 years | $-12,785 |
| 5 years | $-10,066 |
| 7 years | $-7,347 |
| 9 years | $-4,628 |
| 11 years | $-1,910 |
| 13 years | $809 |
| 15 years | $3,528 |
| 17 years | $6,247 |
| 19 years | $8,965 |
| 21 years | $11,684 |
| 23 years | $14,403 |
| 25 years | $17,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Etowah
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
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 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 Etowah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Etowah
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,510. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Etowah homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Etowah, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,967 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,682 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,594 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,702 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,007 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,509 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,207 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,101 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Etowah, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Etowah?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Etowah?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Etowah. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.