Solar Panel Cost Guide in Granite Falls, NC (2024 Update)
- Granite Falls Solar Installation Cost: $17,180
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Granite Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Granite Falls.
In Granite Falls, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Granite Falls homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,180 with the federal tax credit, or $24,567 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Granite Falls can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Granite Falls
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,858 |
3 years | $-13,214 |
5 years | $-10,570 |
7 years | $-7,925 |
9 years | $-5,281 |
11 years | $-2,637 |
13 years | $7 |
15 years | $2,652 |
17 years | $5,296 |
19 years | $7,940 |
21 years | $10,584 |
23 years | $13,229 |
25 years | $15,873 |
Top Solar Installers in Granite Falls
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Granite Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Granite Falls
For many Granite Falls homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Granite Falls, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Granite Falls, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Granite Falls 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 drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,912 | 13.6 years |
8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,609 | 13.3 years |
10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,503 | 13.0 years |
12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,593 | 12.8 years |
14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,879 | 12.5 years |
16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,363 | 12.3 years |
18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,043 | 12.0 years |
20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,919 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Granite Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Granite Falls, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Granite Falls?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Granite Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Granite Falls?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.