Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kernersville, NC (2024 Update)
- Kernersville Solar Installation Cost: $17,133
- 25-Year Savings: $18,270
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kernersville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Kernersville.
The average cost of a solar system in Kernersville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kernersville is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,133 for a solar installation, or $24,500 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Kernersville based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Kernersville see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Kernersville for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kernersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,811 |
| 3 years | $-13,166 |
| 5 years | $-10,522 |
| 7 years | $-7,878 |
| 9 years | $-5,234 |
| 11 years | $-2,589 |
| 13 years | $55 |
| 15 years | $2,699 |
| 17 years | $5,343 |
| 19 years | $7,988 |
| 21 years | $10,632 |
| 23 years | $13,276 |
| 25 years | $15,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Kernersville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Kernersville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Kernersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kernersville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Kernersville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Kernersville, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kernersville, where sunlight is relatively 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
Most solar companies in Kernersville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Kernersville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,056 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $15,135 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $19,410 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $23,882 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $28,550 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $33,415 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $38,476 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $43,734 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Kernersville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kernersville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kernersville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Kernersville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Kernersville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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, 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 larger 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.