Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Isle, NC (2023 Update)
- Emerald Isle Solar Installation Cost: $11,160
- 25-Year Savings: $20,398
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Isle
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Emerald Isle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emerald Isle, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Emerald Isle is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,166 for a solar installation, or $15,967 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Emerald Isle see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Emerald Isle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emerald Isle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,055 |
| 3 years | $-10,845 |
| 5 years | $-10,634 |
| 7 years | $-10,424 |
| 9 years | $-10,214 |
| 11 years | $-10,003 |
| 13 years | $-9,793 |
| 15 years | $-9,582 |
| 17 years | $-9,372 |
| 19 years | $-9,162 |
| 21 years | $-8,951 |
| 23 years | $-8,741 |
| 25 years | $-8,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Emerald Isle
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Emerald Isle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Isle
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Emerald Isle, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Emerald Isle average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,072 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,713 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $32,497 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $39,423 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $46,492 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $53,702 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $61,055 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $68,550 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Emerald Isle, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emerald Isle?
The average cost of solar panels in Emerald Isle 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 cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Emerald Isle?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Emerald Isle?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.