Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsboro, NC (2023 Update)
- Pittsboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,314
- 25-Year Savings: $22,060
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pittsboro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pittsboro generally cost around 2.54. The average Pittsboro homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,322 with the federal tax credit, or $17,620 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Pittsboro can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Pittsboro for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pittsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,199 |
| 3 years | $-11,970 |
| 5 years | $-11,741 |
| 7 years | $-11,512 |
| 9 years | $-11,283 |
| 11 years | $-11,054 |
| 13 years | $-10,824 |
| 15 years | $-10,595 |
| 17 years | $-10,366 |
| 19 years | $-10,137 |
| 21 years | $-9,908 |
| 23 years | $-9,679 |
| 25 years | $-9,449 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsboro
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Pittsboro, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pittsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsboro
Although the average cost of a solar system in Pittsboro is $12,322, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Pittsboro homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Pittsboro is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $18,685 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,198 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,852 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,650 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,589 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,671 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,895 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $67,261 | 8.1 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Pittsboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pittsboro?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pittsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pittsboro is currently $302,908, which means you can expect a value of about $12,419 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pittsboro is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 after having 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.