Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carolina Beach, NC (2023 Update)
- Carolina Beach Solar Installation Cost: $11,326
- 25-Year Savings: $22,063
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carolina Beach
We go over average solar pricing in Carolina Beach.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carolina Beach typically cost around 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $11,326 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carolina Beach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Carolina Beach homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carolina Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,990 |
| 3 years | $-7,319 |
| 5 years | $-4,648 |
| 7 years | $-1,977 |
| 9 years | $694 |
| 11 years | $3,365 |
| 13 years | $6,036 |
| 15 years | $8,708 |
| 17 years | $11,379 |
| 19 years | $14,050 |
| 21 years | $16,721 |
| 23 years | $19,392 |
| 25 years | $22,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Carolina Beach
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Carolina Beach. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carolina Beach offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,346 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,412 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $34,621 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $41,972 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $49,465 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $57,101 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $64,878 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $72,798 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carolina Beach?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carolina Beach?
Solar panels aren't free in Carolina Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carolina Beach?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.