Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fletcher, NC (2024 Update)
- Fletcher Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $19,753
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fletcher
We go over average solar pricing in Fletcher.
The average cost of a solar system in Fletcher is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fletcher is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,863 for a solar installation, or $24,114 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Fletcher homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fletcher
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,441 |
| 3 years | $-12,598 |
| 5 years | $-9,755 |
| 7 years | $-6,913 |
| 9 years | $-4,070 |
| 11 years | $-1,227 |
| 13 years | $1,616 |
| 15 years | $4,459 |
| 17 years | $7,302 |
| 19 years | $10,145 |
| 21 years | $12,988 |
| 23 years | $15,830 |
| 25 years | $18,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Fletcher
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Fletcher
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fletcher
The cost of installing a solar system in Fletcher can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Fletcher, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fletcher, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fletcher 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 pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fletcher is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,605 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,200 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,992 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,979 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,164 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $37,545 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $43,123 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $48,897 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that 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 Fletcher, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fletcher?
The average cost of solar panels in Fletcher 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fletcher?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fletcher, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.