Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ayden, NC (2024 Update)

  • Ayden Solar Installation Cost: $17,164
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,471
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ayden

We break down average solar pricing in Ayden.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ayden generally cost about 4.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ayden, the average price of going solar will be about $17,164 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ayden

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,693
3 years$-12,751
5 years$-9,809
7 years$-6,867
9 years$-3,924
11 years$-982
13 years$1,960
15 years$4,902
17 years$7,844
19 years$10,787
21 years$13,729
23 years$16,671
25 years$19,613

Top Solar Installers in Ayden

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Ayden, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Ayden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ayden

The cost of installing a solar system in Ayden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ayden, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ayden, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ayden homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ayden, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$13,77713.2 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$18,76212.9 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$23,94412.7 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$29,32312.4 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$34,89812.2 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$40,67011.9 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$46,63811.6 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$52,80311.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ayden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Ayden, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ayden?

The average cost of solar panels in Ayden is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Ayden have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Ayden?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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.