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 September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Wilkesboro
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Wilkesboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Wilkesboro, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in North Wilkesboro, the average price of going solar will be about $12,464 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in North Wilkesboro depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average North Wilkesboro homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in North Wilkesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,351 |
| 3 years | $-12,125 |
| 5 years | $-11,900 |
| 7 years | $-11,674 |
| 9 years | $-11,449 |
| 11 years | $-11,223 |
| 13 years | $-10,998 |
| 15 years | $-10,772 |
| 17 years | $-10,547 |
| 19 years | $-10,321 |
| 21 years | $-10,096 |
| 23 years | $-9,870 |
| 25 years | $-9,645 |
Top Solar Installers in North Wilkesboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system 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 North Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Wilkesboro
For many North Wilkesboro homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Wilkesboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,540 per kilowatt in North Wilkesboro. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in North Wilkesboro, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 | $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 solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 previous 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 actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in North Wilkesboro?
Solar panels aren't free in North Wilkesboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $965.09 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.