Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Bern, NC (2024 Update)
- New Bern Solar Installation Cost: $16,781
- 25-Year Savings: $20,026
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Bern
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in New Bern.
In New Bern, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average New Bern homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,781 with the federal tax credit, or $23,997 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in New Bern depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average New Bern homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in New Bern for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in New Bern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,310 |
| 3 years | $-12,368 |
| 5 years | $-9,426 |
| 7 years | $-6,484 |
| 9 years | $-3,542 |
| 11 years | $-599 |
| 13 years | $2,343 |
| 15 years | $5,285 |
| 17 years | $8,227 |
| 19 years | $11,169 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,054 |
| 25 years | $19,996 |
Top Solar Installers in New Bern
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 New Bern
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Bern
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in New Bern: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in New Bern, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout New Bern, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,928 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,631 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,530 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,626 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,918 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,407 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,092 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,974 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 New Bern, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Bern?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in New Bern?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 account for 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.