Solar Panel Cost Guide in Havelock, NC (2025 Update)
- Havelock Solar Installation Cost: $16,781
- 25-Year Savings: $19,996
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Havelock
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Havelock.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Havelock generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,781 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Havelock find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Havelock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Havelock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,310 |
| 3 years | $-12,368 |
| 5 years | $-9,426 |
| 7 years | $-6,484 |
| 9 years | $-3,542 |
| 11 years | $-599 |
| 13 years | $2,343 |
| 15 years | $5,285 |
| 17 years | $8,227 |
| 19 years | $11,169 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,054 |
| 25 years | $19,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Havelock
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Havelock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Havelock
While the average cost of a solar system in Havelock is $16,781, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Havelock, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Havelock to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $11,919 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,285 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,847 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $25,606 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $30,562 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $35,714 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,063 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $46,608 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Havelock, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Havelock?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Havelock?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Havelock have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Havelock?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.