Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, NC (2024 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $17,180
- 25-Year Savings: $20,725
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hudson.
In Hudson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,180 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Hudson homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| 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 Hudson
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Hudson:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total 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 panel system you need, 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 brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hudson have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hudson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $13,120 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,886 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,849 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,009 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,365 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,918 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,667 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,613 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Hudson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hudson, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hudson?
The average cost of solar panels in Hudson 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hudson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hudson is currently $239,980, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,839 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hudson is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.