Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kinston, NC (Mar 2023)
- Kinston Solar Installation Cost: $12,393
- 25-Year Savings: $21,885
- Payback Period: 9.0 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 Kinston
We break down average solar pricing in Kinston.
The average cost of a solar system in Kinston is 2.54 per watt. The average Kinston homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,393 with the federal tax credit, or $17,722 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Kinston homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Kinston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kinston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,022 |
| 3 years | $-8,279 |
| 5 years | $-5,537 |
| 7 years | $-2,795 |
| 9 years | $-53 |
| 11 years | $2,689 |
| 13 years | $5,432 |
| 15 years | $8,174 |
| 17 years | $10,916 |
| 19 years | $13,658 |
| 21 years | $16,400 |
| 23 years | $19,143 |
| 25 years | $21,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Kinston
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kinston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kinston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kinston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. 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 choose 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kinston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kinston to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 panel company you go with 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 consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Kinston, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kinston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Does Kinston have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.