Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kinston, NC (2023 Update)
- Kinston Solar Installation Cost: $12,397
- 25-Year Savings: $21,881
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kinston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kinston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kinston it's 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kinston, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,393, or $17,722 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kinston homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Kinston homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Kinston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kinston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,282 |
| 3 years | $-12,054 |
| 5 years | $-11,825 |
| 7 years | $-11,597 |
| 9 years | $-11,368 |
| 11 years | $-11,140 |
| 13 years | $-10,911 |
| 15 years | $-10,683 |
| 17 years | $-10,454 |
| 19 years | $-10,226 |
| 21 years | $-9,997 |
| 23 years | $-9,769 |
| 25 years | $-9,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Kinston
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Kinston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kinston
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Kinston: 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 solar panels in Kinston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kinston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kinston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kinston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,403 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,822 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,383 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,086 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,932 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,920 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,050 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $66,322 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Kinston, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kinston?
The average cost of solar panels in Kinston 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kinston is currently $98,089, which means you can expect a value of about $4,022 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kinston is a rewarding investment.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.