Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mebane, NC (2023 Update)
- Mebane Solar Installation Cost: $12,393
- 25-Year Savings: $20,644
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mebane
We break down average solar pricing in Mebane.
The average cost of a solar system in Mebane is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mebane is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,393 for a solar installation, or $17,722 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mebane for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mebane
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,071 |
| 3 years | $-8,428 |
| 5 years | $-5,785 |
| 7 years | $-3,142 |
| 9 years | $-500 |
| 11 years | $2,143 |
| 13 years | $4,786 |
| 15 years | $7,429 |
| 17 years | $10,072 |
| 19 years | $12,715 |
| 21 years | $15,358 |
| 23 years | $18,001 |
| 25 years | $20,644 |
Top Solar Installers in Mebane
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Mebane:
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 Mebane
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mebane
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Mebane: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Mebane, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mebane average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mebane, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mebane homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mebane is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 specials 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,359 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,430 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,643 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,998 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,495 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,135 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,917 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,841 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Mebane, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mebane?
The average cost of solar panels in Mebane is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mebane?
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 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.