Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kernersville, NC (Mar 2023)
- Kernersville Solar Installation Cost: $12,393
- 25-Year Savings: $18,275
- Payback Period: 10.1 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 Kernersville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kernersville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kernersville typically cost around 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,393 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kernersville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kernersville find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kernersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,166 |
| 3 years | $-8,713 |
| 5 years | $-6,259 |
| 7 years | $-3,806 |
| 9 years | $-1,352 |
| 11 years | $1,101 |
| 13 years | $3,554 |
| 15 years | $6,008 |
| 17 years | $8,461 |
| 19 years | $10,915 |
| 21 years | $13,368 |
| 23 years | $15,821 |
| 25 years | $18,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Kernersville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kernersville, we've 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 (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 Kernersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kernersville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Kernersville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 generation use 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. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this 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 Kernersville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Kernersville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Kernersville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kernersville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $879.60 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 continue to use 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.