Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carolina Shores, NC (Mar 2023)
- Carolina Shores Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $22,010
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carolina Shores
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Carolina Shores.
The average cost of a solar system in Carolina Shores is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Carolina Shores, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,379, or $16,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Carolina Shores see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Carolina Shores, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carolina Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,044 |
| 3 years | $-7,373 |
| 5 years | $-4,701 |
| 7 years | $-2,030 |
| 9 years | $641 |
| 11 years | $3,312 |
| 13 years | $5,983 |
| 15 years | $8,654 |
| 17 years | $11,325 |
| 19 years | $13,996 |
| 21 years | $16,668 |
| 23 years | $19,339 |
| 25 years | $22,010 |
Top Solar Installers in Carolina Shores
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 (coming 2022)
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 Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carolina Shores
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Carolina Shores: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many 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. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carolina Shores, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $20,225 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,251 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $34,419 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $41,729 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $49,182 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $56,777 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $64,514 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $72,394 | 7.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Carolina Shores, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carolina Shores?
The average cost of solar panels in Carolina Shores is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carolina Shores?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carolina Shores?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.