Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brices Creek, NC (2023 Update)
- Brices Creek Solar Installation Cost: $12,144
- 25-Year Savings: $19,540
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brices Creek
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Brices Creek.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brices Creek it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Brices Creek is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,144 for a solar installation, or $17,366 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Brices Creek based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Brices Creek see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Brices Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brices Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,038 |
| 3 years | $-11,827 |
| 5 years | $-11,616 |
| 7 years | $-11,405 |
| 9 years | $-11,193 |
| 11 years | $-10,982 |
| 13 years | $-10,771 |
| 15 years | $-10,560 |
| 17 years | $-10,348 |
| 19 years | $-10,137 |
| 21 years | $-9,926 |
| 23 years | $-9,715 |
| 25 years | $-9,504 |
Top Solar Installers in Brices Creek
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Brices Creek, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Brices Creek, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Brices Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brices Creek
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Brices Creek: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brices Creek, where sunlight is 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Brices Creek, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brices Creek is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,738 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,602 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,608 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,757 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,047 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $47,480 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $54,055 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $60,772 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Brices Creek, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brices Creek?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brices Creek?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $927.76 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.