Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsboro, NC (2023 Update)
- Pittsboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
- 25-Year Savings: $22,053
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsboro
We go over average solar pricing in Pittsboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pittsboro, the average cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Pittsboro is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,322 for a solar installation, or $17,620 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Pittsboro based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Pittsboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,947 |
| 3 years | $-8,197 |
| 5 years | $-5,447 |
| 7 years | $-2,697 |
| 9 years | $53 |
| 11 years | $2,803 |
| 13 years | $5,553 |
| 15 years | $8,303 |
| 17 years | $11,053 |
| 19 years | $13,803 |
| 21 years | $16,553 |
| 23 years | $19,303 |
| 25 years | $22,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsboro
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 adopt solar energy rests 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 few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 $2,540 per kilowatt in Pittsboro. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pittsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Pittsboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.