Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butner, NC (2024 Update)
- Butner Solar Installation Cost: $17,284
- 25-Year Savings: $18,105
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butner
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Butner.
The average cost of solar panels in Butner is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,284 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Butner homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Butner see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Butner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,813 |
| 3 years | $-12,871 |
| 5 years | $-9,929 |
| 7 years | $-6,987 |
| 9 years | $-4,044 |
| 11 years | $-1,102 |
| 13 years | $1,840 |
| 15 years | $4,782 |
| 17 years | $7,724 |
| 19 years | $10,666 |
| 21 years | $13,609 |
| 23 years | $16,551 |
| 25 years | $19,493 |
Top Solar Installers in Butner
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Butner, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Butner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butner
Though the average cost of a solar system in Butner is $17,284, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Butner homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Butner, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $10,778 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $14,764 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $18,946 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $23,325 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $27,900 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $32,672 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $37,641 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $42,806 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Butner, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Butner?
The average cost of solar panels in Butner 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Butner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Butner?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 generally 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.