Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinehurst, MA (2023 Update)
- Pinehurst Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,618
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinehurst
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Pinehurst.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pinehurst, the average cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average Pinehurst homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,179 with the federal tax credit, or $13,126 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Pinehurst homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pinehurst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,147 |
| 3 years | $-6,083 |
| 5 years | $-4,019 |
| 7 years | $-1,956 |
| 9 years | $108 |
| 11 years | $2,172 |
| 13 years | $4,236 |
| 15 years | $6,299 |
| 17 years | $8,363 |
| 19 years | $10,427 |
| 21 years | $12,490 |
| 23 years | $14,554 |
| 25 years | $16,618 |
Top Solar Installers in Pinehurst
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Pinehurst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinehurst
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Pinehurst: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pinehurst, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pinehurst homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Pinehurst, and each can charge varying amounts 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,866 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,484 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,267 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,214 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,326 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,603 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,044 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,650 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Pinehurst, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Pinehurst, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pinehurst?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Pinehurst?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.