Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Bern, NC (2023 Update)
- New Bern Solar Installation Cost: $12,144
- 25-Year Savings: $20,026
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Bern
We go over average solar pricing in New Bern.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Bern generally cost around 2.54. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in New Bern, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,144, or $17,366 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Bern find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Bern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,673 |
| 3 years | $-7,731 |
| 5 years | $-4,788 |
| 7 years | $-1,846 |
| 9 years | $1,096 |
| 11 years | $4,038 |
| 13 years | $6,980 |
| 15 years | $9,923 |
| 17 years | $12,865 |
| 19 years | $15,807 |
| 21 years | $18,749 |
| 23 years | $21,691 |
| 25 years | $24,633 |
Top Solar Installers in New Bern
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
For many New Bern homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in New Bern, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,540. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in New Bern have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in New Bern, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $17,165 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,171 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,320 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,611 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,044 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,619 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,336 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,196 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in New Bern 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in New Bern?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in New Bern?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.