Solar Panel Cost Guide in King, NC (2023 Update)
- King Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $21,634
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in King
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in King.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in King, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in King is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,428 for a solar installation, or $17,772 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in King see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in King
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,066 |
| 3 years | $-8,341 |
| 5 years | $-5,616 |
| 7 years | $-2,891 |
| 9 years | $-166 |
| 11 years | $2,559 |
| 13 years | $5,284 |
| 15 years | $8,009 |
| 17 years | $10,734 |
| 19 years | $13,459 |
| 21 years | $16,184 |
| 23 years | $18,909 |
| 25 years | $21,634 |
Top Solar Installers in King
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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 in King:
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 King
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in King
Although the average cost of a solar system in King is $12,428, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,540 per kilowatt in King. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the King average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in King, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $18,148 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,482 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,958 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,576 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,337 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,240 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,285 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,472 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 King, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in King?
The average cost of solar panels in King is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in King?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $974.76 per year.
How long do solar panels last in King?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.