Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Isle, NC (Feb 2023)
- Emerald Isle Solar Installation Cost: $11,166
- 25-Year Savings: $20,393
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Isle
We go over average solar pricing in Emerald Isle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emerald Isle, the typical cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Emerald Isle, the average price of going solar will be about $11,166 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Emerald Isle based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Emerald Isle can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Emerald Isle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emerald Isle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,904 |
| 3 years | $-7,379 |
| 5 years | $-4,854 |
| 7 years | $-2,329 |
| 9 years | $195 |
| 11 years | $2,720 |
| 13 years | $5,245 |
| 15 years | $7,769 |
| 17 years | $10,294 |
| 19 years | $12,819 |
| 21 years | $15,343 |
| 23 years | $17,868 |
| 25 years | $20,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Emerald Isle
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Emerald Isle, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Emerald Isle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Isle
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Emerald Isle is $11,166, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Emerald Isle, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Emerald Isle homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a large number of companies available in Emerald Isle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Emerald Isle, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emerald Isle?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Emerald Isle?
Solar panels aren't free in Emerald Isle, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.