Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kernersville, NC (2023 Update)
- Kernersville Solar Installation Cost: $12,398
- 25-Year Savings: $18,270
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kernersville
We break down average solar pricing in Kernersville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kernersville it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kernersville is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,393 for a solar installation, or $17,722 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Kernersville can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kernersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,296 |
| 3 years | $-12,091 |
| 5 years | $-11,887 |
| 7 years | $-11,682 |
| 9 years | $-11,478 |
| 11 years | $-11,274 |
| 13 years | $-11,069 |
| 15 years | $-10,865 |
| 17 years | $-10,660 |
| 19 years | $-10,456 |
| 21 years | $-10,251 |
| 23 years | $-10,047 |
| 25 years | $-9,842 |
Top Solar Installers in Kernersville
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar 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
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 Kernersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kernersville
The cost of installing a solar system in Kernersville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Kernersville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $15,293 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,676 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,200 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $31,867 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $37,676 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $43,627 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $49,720 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $55,956 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kernersville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kernersville?
The average cost of solar panels in Kernersville is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kernersville?
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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kernersville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Kernersville?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.
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.