Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Airy, NC (2024 Update)
- Mount Airy Solar Installation Cost: $17,238
- 25-Year Savings: $22,293
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Airy
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Airy.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Airy it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mount Airy, the average price of going solar will be about $17,238 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Mount Airy can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Airy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,916 |
| 3 years | $-13,272 |
| 5 years | $-10,627 |
| 7 years | $-7,983 |
| 9 years | $-5,339 |
| 11 years | $-2,695 |
| 13 years | $-50 |
| 15 years | $2,594 |
| 17 years | $5,238 |
| 19 years | $7,882 |
| 21 years | $10,527 |
| 23 years | $13,171 |
| 25 years | $15,815 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Airy
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Mount Airy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Airy
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Mount Airy: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 nearly $3,510. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mount Airy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mount Airy have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Mount Airy, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $14,402 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,595 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,985 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $30,572 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $36,355 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $42,335 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $48,512 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $54,885 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Mount Airy, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Airy?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Airy is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Mount Airy?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Mount Airy. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Airy?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.