Solar Panel Cost Guide in Apex, NC (2024 Update)
- Apex Solar Installation Cost: $17,183
- 25-Year Savings: $18,159
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Apex
We go over average solar pricing in Apex.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Apex is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,183 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Apex find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Apex for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Apex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,712 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-9,828 |
| 7 years | $-6,885 |
| 9 years | $-3,943 |
| 11 years | $-1,001 |
| 13 years | $1,941 |
| 15 years | $4,883 |
| 17 years | $7,825 |
| 19 years | $10,768 |
| 21 years | $13,710 |
| 23 years | $16,652 |
| 25 years | $19,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Apex
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Apex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Apex
The cost of installing a solar system in Apex can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Apex, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Apex average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Apex provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Apex homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Apex, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,915 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $14,947 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $19,175 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $23,599 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $28,221 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $33,038 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $38,053 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $43,264 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Apex, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Apex, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Apex?
The average cost of solar panels in Apex 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Apex?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Apex?
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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.