Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Isle, NC (2025 Update)
- Emerald Isle Solar Installation Cost: $15,422
- 25-Year Savings: $20,398
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Isle
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Emerald Isle.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Emerald Isle typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $15,422 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Emerald Isle homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.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 see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emerald Isle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,951 |
| 3 years | $-11,009 |
| 5 years | $-8,067 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-2,182 |
| 11 years | $760 |
| 13 years | $3,702 |
| 15 years | $6,644 |
| 17 years | $9,586 |
| 19 years | $12,529 |
| 21 years | $15,471 |
| 23 years | $18,413 |
| 25 years | $21,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Emerald Isle
Do-it-yourself 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. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Emerald Isle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Isle
The cost of installing a solar system in Emerald Isle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of 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. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Emerald Isle offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Emerald Isle’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Emerald Isle have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $14,835 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,173 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,707 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,438 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,366 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $43,490 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $49,811 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $56,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Emerald Isle, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emerald Isle?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Emerald Isle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get 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.