Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, NC (2024 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $17,117
- 25-Year Savings: $20,564
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Burlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Burlington, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Burlington homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,117 with the federal tax credit, or $24,477 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Burlington depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Burlington for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,770 |
| 3 years | $-13,076 |
| 5 years | $-10,382 |
| 7 years | $-7,688 |
| 9 years | $-4,994 |
| 11 years | $-2,300 |
| 13 years | $394 |
| 15 years | $3,088 |
| 17 years | $5,782 |
| 19 years | $8,475 |
| 21 years | $11,169 |
| 23 years | $13,863 |
| 25 years | $16,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
For many Burlington homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Burlington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Burlington, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Burlington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Burlington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,047 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,789 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,728 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,864 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,195 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,724 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,449 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,370 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Burlington, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Burlington is currently $224,874, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,220 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Burlington is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 keep using 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.