Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Wilkesboro, NC (2024 Update)
- North Wilkesboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,223
- 25-Year Savings: $21,363
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Wilkesboro
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Wilkesboro.
The average cost of solar panels in North Wilkesboro is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in North Wilkesboro is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,223 for a solar installation, or $24,629 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Wilkesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,901 |
| 3 years | $-13,257 |
| 5 years | $-10,613 |
| 7 years | $-7,969 |
| 9 years | $-5,324 |
| 11 years | $-2,680 |
| 13 years | $-36 |
| 15 years | $2,608 |
| 17 years | $5,253 |
| 19 years | $7,897 |
| 21 years | $10,541 |
| 23 years | $13,185 |
| 25 years | $15,830 |
Top Solar Installers in North Wilkesboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in North Wilkesboro, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in North Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Wilkesboro
There are several factors that can play into your 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in North Wilkesboro offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in North Wilkesboro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,621 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,555 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,685 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,011 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,534 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,254 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,170 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,283 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in North Wilkesboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's North Wilkesboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Wilkesboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Wilkesboro?
You can’t get solar panels for free in North Wilkesboro. However, you may still be able to afford 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 will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for 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 $200,652, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,227 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 worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in North Wilkesboro?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.