Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Wilkesboro, NC (2023 Update)
- North Wilkesboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,464
- 25-Year Savings: $21,363
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Wilkesboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in North Wilkesboro.
In North Wilkesboro, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,464 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Wilkesboro see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Wilkesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,111 |
| 3 years | $-8,405 |
| 5 years | $-5,698 |
| 7 years | $-2,992 |
| 9 years | $-286 |
| 11 years | $2,420 |
| 13 years | $5,126 |
| 15 years | $7,832 |
| 17 years | $10,538 |
| 19 years | $13,244 |
| 21 years | $15,950 |
| 23 years | $18,657 |
| 25 years | $21,363 |
Top Solar Installers in North Wilkesboro
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Wilkesboro
There are several criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 that have higher 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 $2,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Wilkesboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in North Wilkesboro, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for North Wilkesboro 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
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,858 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,095 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,475 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,996 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,660 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $50,466 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $57,415 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $64,505 | 8.3 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. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 North Wilkesboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Wilkesboro?
The average cost of solar panels in North Wilkesboro 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 such as the type 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 North Wilkesboro?
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 will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Wilkesboro is currently $114,800, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,707 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Wilkesboro is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 usually 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.