Solar Panel Cost Guide in China Grove, NC (2023 Update)

  • China Grove Solar Installation Cost: $12,215
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,175
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in China Grove

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in China Grove.

The average cost of a solar system in China Grove is 2.54 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in China Grove, the average price of going solar will be about $12,215 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average China Grove homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in China Grove that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in China Grove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,039
3 years $-8,688
5 years $-6,337
7 years $-3,986
9 years $-1,634
11 years $717
13 years $3,068
15 years $5,419
17 years $7,771
19 years $10,122
21 years $12,473
23 years $14,824
25 years $17,175

Top Solar Installers in China Grove

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in China Grove, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in China Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in China Grove

The cost of installing a solar system in China Grove can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like China Grove, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for China Grove homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in China Grove, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $14,572 10.8 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $19,714 10.6 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $24,998 10.4 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $30,424 10.2 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $35,992 10.0 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $41,703 9.8 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $47,556 9.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $53,551 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's China Grove, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in China Grove?

The average cost of solar panels in China Grove 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in China Grove, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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