Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Island, NC (2024 Update)
- Oak Island Solar Installation Cost: $15,716
- 25-Year Savings: $22,016
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Island
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Oak Island.
The average cost of solar panels in Oak Island is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Oak Island, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,716, or $22,474 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oak Island homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Oak Island see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,245 |
| 3 years | $-11,303 |
| 5 years | $-8,361 |
| 7 years | $-5,418 |
| 9 years | $-2,476 |
| 11 years | $466 |
| 13 years | $3,408 |
| 15 years | $6,350 |
| 17 years | $9,293 |
| 19 years | $12,235 |
| 21 years | $15,177 |
| 23 years | $18,119 |
| 25 years | $21,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Island
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 install a solar energy system depends 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 numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in Oak Island.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oak Island, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in Oak Island provide 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oak Island is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Oak Island are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,988 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,710 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,629 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,744 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,056 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,565 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,270 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,172 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Oak Island, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oak Island?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oak Island?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oak Island, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 cover 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.