Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fuquay-Varina, NC (2025 Update)
- Fuquay-Varina Solar Installation Cost: $17,125
- 25-Year Savings: $19,412
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fuquay-Varina
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fuquay-Varina.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fuquay-Varina it’s 4 per watt.The average Fuquay-Varina homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,125 with the federal tax credit, or $24,489 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fuquay-Varina homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Fuquay-Varina homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Fuquay-Varina, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fuquay-Varina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,654 |
| 3 years | $-12,712 |
| 5 years | $-9,769 |
| 7 years | $-6,827 |
| 9 years | $-3,885 |
| 11 years | $-943 |
| 13 years | $1,999 |
| 15 years | $4,941 |
| 17 years | $7,884 |
| 19 years | $10,826 |
| 21 years | $13,768 |
| 23 years | $16,710 |
| 25 years | $19,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Fuquay-Varina
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fuquay-Varina, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Fuquay-Varina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fuquay-Varina
For many Fuquay-Varina homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fuquay-Varina, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Fuquay-Varina, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fuquay-Varina average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fuquay-Varina, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower 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 panels can affect your pricing. Fuquay-Varina’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,047 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,456 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,061 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $25,863 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $30,861 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,056 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,448 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,036 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fuquay-Varina, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fuquay-Varina?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fuquay-Varina?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Fuquay-Varina have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.