Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsboro, NC (2024 Update)
- Pittsboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,017
- 25-Year Savings: $22,060
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pittsboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pittsboro is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pittsboro, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,017, or $24,334 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Pittsboro based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsboro find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,545 |
| 3 years | $-12,603 |
| 5 years | $-9,661 |
| 7 years | $-6,719 |
| 9 years | $-3,777 |
| 11 years | $-834 |
| 13 years | $2,108 |
| 15 years | $5,050 |
| 17 years | $7,992 |
| 19 years | $10,934 |
| 21 years | $13,876 |
| 23 years | $16,819 |
| 25 years | $19,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsboro
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Pittsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsboro
For many Pittsboro homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pittsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in Pittsboro.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
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 Pittsboro homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pittsboro is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $14,448 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,657 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,062 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $30,665 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $36,463 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $42,459 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $48,651 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $55,039 | 11.1 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Pittsboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsboro?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pittsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pittsboro is currently $527,556, so you could be looking at a value of about $21,630 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pittsboro is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.