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
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Havelock
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Havelock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Havelock it's 2.54 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Havelock, the average price of going solar will be about $12,144 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Havelock find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Havelock for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Havelock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,673 |
| 3 years | $-7,731 |
| 5 years | $-4,788 |
| 7 years | $-1,846 |
| 9 years | $1,096 |
| 11 years | $4,038 |
| 13 years | $6,980 |
| 15 years | $9,923 |
| 17 years | $12,865 |
| 19 years | $15,807 |
| 21 years | $18,749 |
| 23 years | $21,691 |
| 25 years | $24,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Havelock
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Havelock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Havelock, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Havelock to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Havelock's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 many 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: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Havelock?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.