Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, NC (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $16,657
- 25-Year Savings: $20,829
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairview.
In Fairview, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Fairview homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,657 with the federal tax credit, or $23,820 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fairview see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fairview, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,335 |
| 3 years | $-12,691 |
| 5 years | $-10,047 |
| 7 years | $-7,403 |
| 9 years | $-4,758 |
| 11 years | $-2,114 |
| 13 years | $530 |
| 15 years | $3,174 |
| 17 years | $5,819 |
| 19 years | $8,463 |
| 21 years | $11,107 |
| 23 years | $13,751 |
| 25 years | $16,396 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
While the average cost of a solar system in Fairview is $16,657, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $3,510. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fairview offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairview is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with 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 | $13,770 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,753 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,933 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,309 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,881 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,651 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,617 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,779 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer 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 Fairview, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairview 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 use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Fairview?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.