Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kinston, NC (2024 Update)
- Kinston Solar Installation Cost: $17,131
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kinston
We break down average solar pricing in Kinston.
The average cost of solar panels in Kinston is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kinston, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,131, or $24,497 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kinston find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kinston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,559 |
| 3 years | $-12,417 |
| 5 years | $-9,274 |
| 7 years | $-6,132 |
| 9 years | $-2,989 |
| 11 years | $153 |
| 13 years | $3,296 |
| 15 years | $6,438 |
| 17 years | $9,581 |
| 19 years | $12,724 |
| 21 years | $15,866 |
| 23 years | $19,009 |
| 25 years | $22,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Kinston
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kinston, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kinston is $17,131, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kinston provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,166 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,281 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,593 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $30,101 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $35,806 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $41,708 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $47,806 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $54,100 | 11.2 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kinston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kinston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Kinston?
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 larger amount 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.