Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beaufort, NC (2024 Update)
- Beaufort Solar Installation Cost: $15,422
- 25-Year Savings: $20,398
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beaufort
We go over average solar pricing in Beaufort.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Beaufort it’s 4 per watt.The average Beaufort homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,422 with the federal tax credit, or $22,053 before the 0 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 true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Beaufort can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Beaufort that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Beaufort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,951 |
| 3 years | $-11,009 |
| 5 years | $-8,067 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-2,182 |
| 11 years | $760 |
| 13 years | $3,702 |
| 15 years | $6,644 |
| 17 years | $9,586 |
| 19 years | $12,529 |
| 21 years | $15,471 |
| 23 years | $18,413 |
| 25 years | $21,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Beaufort
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Beaufort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beaufort
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Beaufort: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Beaufort is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,835 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,173 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,707 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,438 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,366 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $43,490 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $49,811 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $56,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Beaufort, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beaufort?
The average cost of solar panels in Beaufort 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 stuff such as the type 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?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Beaufort is currently $383,207, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,711 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Beaufort is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.