Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piney Green, NC (2023 Update)

  • Piney Green Solar Installation Cost: $11,824
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,148
  • Payback Period: 9.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piney Green

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Piney Green.

The average cost of solar panels in Piney Green is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Piney Green, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,824, or $16,908 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Piney Green homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Piney Green

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,545
3 years $-7,987
5 years $-5,429
7 years $-2,872
9 years $-314
11 years $2,244
13 years $4,802
15 years $7,360
17 years $9,917
19 years $12,475
21 years $15,033
23 years $17,591
25 years $20,148

Top Solar Installers in Piney Green

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Piney Green, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Piney Green

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piney Green

There are a number of criteria 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 installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Piney Green's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $17,759 9.6 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $23,963 9.4 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $30,309 9.2 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $36,798 9.1 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $43,429 8.9 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $50,202 8.7 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $57,117 8.5 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $64,174 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Piney Green, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Piney Green?

The average cost of solar panels in Piney Green 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.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Piney Green?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Piney Green?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Piney Green?

Even 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 how much 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 keep using 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.

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