Solar Panel Cost Guide in Havelock, NC (2023 Update)
- Havelock Solar Installation Cost: $12,144
- 25-Year Savings: $18,877
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Havelock
We break down average solar pricing in Havelock.
In Havelock, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Havelock, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,144, or $17,366 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Havelock can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Havelock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,903 |
| 3 years | $-8,421 |
| 5 years | $-5,940 |
| 7 years | $-3,458 |
| 9 years | $-976 |
| 11 years | $1,505 |
| 13 years | $3,987 |
| 15 years | $6,469 |
| 17 years | $8,950 |
| 19 years | $11,432 |
| 21 years | $13,913 |
| 23 years | $16,395 |
| 25 years | $18,877 |
Top Solar Installers in Havelock
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Havelock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Havelock
The cost of installing a solar system in Havelock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Havelock, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Havelock homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater 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 | $16,156 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,825 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,637 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,591 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,688 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,926 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $52,307 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $58,830 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Havelock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Havelock, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Havelock?
The average cost of solar panels in Havelock 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Havelock?
Solar panels aren't free in Havelock, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $908.34 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.
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.