Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kitty Hawk, NC (2023 Update)
- Kitty Hawk Solar Installation Cost: $11,262
- 25-Year Savings: $21,628
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kitty Hawk
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kitty Hawk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kitty Hawk it's 2.54 per watt. The average Kitty Hawk homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,255 with the federal tax credit, or $16,095 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kitty Hawk find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kitty Hawk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,153 |
| 3 years | $-10,933 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-10,495 |
| 9 years | $-10,276 |
| 11 years | $-10,056 |
| 13 years | $-9,837 |
| 15 years | $-9,618 |
| 17 years | $-9,399 |
| 19 years | $-9,179 |
| 21 years | $-8,960 |
| 23 years | $-8,741 |
| 25 years | $-8,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Kitty Hawk
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kitty Hawk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kitty Hawk
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Kitty Hawk. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kitty Hawk, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kitty Hawk offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kitty Hawk is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Kitty Hawk have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $20,060 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,031 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $34,144 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $41,400 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $48,798 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $56,338 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $64,020 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $71,845 | 7.7 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Kitty Hawk, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kitty Hawk?
The average cost of solar panels in Kitty Hawk 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 stuff like the model 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 Kitty Hawk?
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 can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kitty Hawk, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.