Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carolina Beach, NC (2024 Update)
- Carolina Beach Solar Installation Cost: $15,655
- 25-Year Savings: $22,060
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carolina Beach
We break down average solar pricing in Carolina Beach.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carolina Beach generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $15,655 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carolina Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,184 |
| 3 years | $-11,242 |
| 5 years | $-8,300 |
| 7 years | $-5,358 |
| 9 years | $-2,416 |
| 11 years | $527 |
| 13 years | $3,469 |
| 15 years | $6,411 |
| 17 years | $9,353 |
| 19 years | $12,295 |
| 21 years | $15,238 |
| 23 years | $18,180 |
| 25 years | $21,122 |
Top Solar Installers in Carolina Beach
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Carolina Beach:
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 Carolina Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carolina Beach
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Carolina Beach, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carolina Beach, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $16,109 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,872 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,831 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,987 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,339 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,889 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,634 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,576 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Carolina Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Carolina Beach, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carolina Beach?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carolina Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.