Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morehead City, NC (2024 Update)
- Morehead City Solar Installation Cost: $15,422
- 25-Year Savings: $20,398
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morehead City
We go over average solar pricing in Morehead City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Morehead City it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $15,422 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Morehead City find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Morehead City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Morehead City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,951 |
| 3 years | $-11,009 |
| 5 years | $-8,067 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-2,182 |
| 11 years | $760 |
| 13 years | $3,702 |
| 15 years | $6,644 |
| 17 years | $9,586 |
| 19 years | $12,529 |
| 21 years | $15,471 |
| 23 years | $18,413 |
| 25 years | $21,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Morehead City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Morehead City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morehead City
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Morehead City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Morehead City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down 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 estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Morehead City is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice 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 specials 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $14,835 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,173 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,707 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,438 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,366 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $43,490 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $49,811 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $56,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Morehead City, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morehead City?
The average cost of solar panels in Morehead City is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Morehead City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Morehead City. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Morehead City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.