Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinehurst, NC (2024 Update)
- Pinehurst Solar Installation Cost: $16,975
- 25-Year Savings: $21,241
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinehurst
We break down average solar pricing in Pinehurst.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pinehurst generally cost around 4.The average Pinehurst homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,975 with the federal tax credit, or $24,274 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Pinehurst depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pinehurst find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pinehurst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,504 |
| 3 years | $-12,561 |
| 5 years | $-9,619 |
| 7 years | $-6,677 |
| 9 years | $-3,735 |
| 11 years | $-793 |
| 13 years | $2,150 |
| 15 years | $5,092 |
| 17 years | $8,034 |
| 19 years | $10,976 |
| 21 years | $13,918 |
| 23 years | $16,861 |
| 25 years | $19,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Pinehurst
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people 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 part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Pinehurst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinehurst
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pinehurst is $16,975, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 use 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 $3,510.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 are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Pinehurst homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Pinehurst, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,783 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,770 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,954 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,335 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,912 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,686 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,656 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,823 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Pinehurst, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pinehurst?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Pinehurst have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.