Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weddington, NC (2024 Update)
- Weddington Solar Installation Cost: $16,712
- 25-Year Savings: $19,982
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weddington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Weddington.
In Weddington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Weddington, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,712, or $23,898 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Weddington homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 Weddington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,390 |
| 3 years | $-12,746 |
| 5 years | $-10,102 |
| 7 years | $-7,457 |
| 9 years | $-4,813 |
| 11 years | $-2,169 |
| 13 years | $475 |
| 15 years | $3,120 |
| 17 years | $5,764 |
| 19 years | $8,408 |
| 21 years | $11,052 |
| 23 years | $13,697 |
| 25 years | $16,341 |
Top Solar Installers in Weddington
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Weddington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weddington
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,510 per kilowatt in Weddington.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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 Weddington to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Weddington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,962 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,676 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,587 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,694 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,997 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,497 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,194 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,087 | 11.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Weddington, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Weddington?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Weddington have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.