Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stanley, NC (2024 Update)

  • Stanley Solar Installation Cost: $16,736
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,556
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stanley

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Stanley.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stanley typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Stanley, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,736, or $23,932 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Stanley depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stanley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,414
3 years $-12,770
5 years $-10,125
7 years $-7,481
9 years $-4,837
11 years $-2,193
13 years $452
15 years $3,096
17 years $5,740
19 years $8,384
21 years $11,029
23 years $13,673
25 years $16,317

Top Solar Installers in Stanley

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Stanley:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Stanley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stanley

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Stanley is $16,736, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,510. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stanley to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Stanley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $11,682 14.2 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $15,969 13.9 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $20,452 13.6 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $25,132 13.4 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $30,009 13.1 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $35,082 12.8 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $40,352 12.6 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $45,818 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Stanley, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stanley?

The average cost of solar panels in Stanley 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Stanley?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Stanley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Does Stanley have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.

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