The cost will depend on the number of panels installed and whether your site is suitable for rooftop solar or ground-mounted solar. Ground-mounted systems typically cost more. On average, a rooftop solar system costs between $17,000 – $30,000 after incentives. Your solar installer can walk you through different financing scenarios and options.
Configuration Options
There are two different types of panels to choose from:
- Standard Panels (foreign-made)
- 10 yr warranty on install and workmanship
- 25 years on power at 80% or better
- “Buy America” Compliant Panels
- 10 yr warranty on install and workmanship
- 25 yr on power at 80% or better
Additionally, you have the option of standard inverters or micro-inverters. Talk to your solar sales engineer to determine which is the best choice for you!
Financial Incentives
In addition to the Solarize discount, Solarize Piedmont installers will help participants access affordable financing and navigate the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market for additional incentives.
- USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) Grant – Up to 50% of the cost for commercial and agricultural projects (Note: Ask your installer about this incentive’s status)
- Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) – Businesses may recover investments in certain property through depreciation deductions
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
Additional charges may apply…
- Panels installed on more than 2 roof planes
- Extensive/difficult cabling for online monitoring functionality
- Tilt legs for roof-mounted arrays
- Electrical modifications to the existing service other than net-metered back-fed breaker installation
- Grid-tied Battery backup power installation
- Off-grid battery backup power installation
- Rocks in trenching line
- Copper, slate, tile, or shake roofs
- Line side tap (if needed)
- Service shutdown (if needed)
- Multiple string inverters
- Extended inverter warranties
- Non-standard color panels or frames
- Premium panel upgrade
Solar Options in 2026
- Traditional outright system purchase (with or without financing): Homeowners may elect to make a cash or financed purchase of their system, which allows them to take advantage of any municipal incentives or tax credits, as well as sell their SRECS. Solarize will continue to offer discounted per watt negotiated pricing for cash purchase participants.
- Solar lease: A solar lease is a third-party ownership model allowing homeowners to install solar panel with $0 to low upfront costs, paying a fixed monthly “rent” for 20–25 years. The leasing company handles maintenance and repairs. The payments typically increase slightly each year. The rate at which your solar lease payment will increase is specified in the escalator clause of your contract, with most escalator rates ranging from 1% to 5% annually. Monthly payments are typically less than your electric bill, depending on your solar exposure. The lease holder owns the SRECs, and homeowners still get the benefits of net metering for the electricity they generate, as well as the benefit of the tax credit through the lease providers.
After 5 years or at the end of the term, homeowners have the option to purchase the system at fair market value. At the end of the term, they have the option to:
- Remove the equipment at the company’s expense, or
- Renew the lease agreement.
All of the options above may make it possible for participants to finance their installations with monthly payments similar to or less than their regular utility payments.
Please note: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.