Solar Panel Cost Guide in Durham, CA (2025 Update)
- Durham Solar Installation Cost: $7,626
- 25-Year Savings: $20,331
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Durham
We go over average solar pricing in Durham.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Durham is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Durham, the average price of going solar will be about $7,626 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Durham based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Durham find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Durham for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Durham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,088 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $63 |
| 7 years | $3,139 |
| 9 years | $6,215 |
| 11 years | $9,291 |
| 13 years | $12,366 |
| 15 years | $15,442 |
| 17 years | $18,518 |
| 19 years | $21,594 |
| 21 years | $24,670 |
| 23 years | $27,745 |
| 25 years | $30,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Durham
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting 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.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Durham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Durham
For many Durham homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Durham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Durham.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Durham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Durham, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,162 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,271 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,574 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,072 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,764 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,651 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,732 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,007 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Durham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Durham, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Durham?
The average cost of solar panels in Durham is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Durham?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Durham?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.