Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Island, NC (Mar 2023)
- Oak Island Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $22,010
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Island
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oak Island.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oak Island, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Oak Island, the average price of going solar will be about $11,379 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Oak Island based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oak Island find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Oak Island, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,044 |
| 3 years | $-7,373 |
| 5 years | $-4,701 |
| 7 years | $-2,030 |
| 9 years | $641 |
| 11 years | $3,312 |
| 13 years | $5,983 |
| 15 years | $8,654 |
| 17 years | $11,325 |
| 19 years | $13,996 |
| 21 years | $16,668 |
| 23 years | $19,339 |
| 25 years | $22,010 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Island
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Oak Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Island
For many Oak Island homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oak Island, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oak Island homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in 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 high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $20,225 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,251 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $34,419 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $41,729 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $49,182 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $56,777 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $64,514 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $72,394 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Oak Island, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Island?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Oak Island?
Solar panels aren't free in Oak Island, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 Oak Island is currently $267,052, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,949 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oak Island is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.