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.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Carolina Beach is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $15,655 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Carolina Beach can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Carolina Beach for a quote for your home.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Carolina Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carolina Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Carolina Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carolina Beach, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carolina Beach, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Carolina Beach is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Carolina Beach know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to 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.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Carolina Beach, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carolina Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Carolina Beach 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.