Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porters Neck, NC (Mar 2023)
- Porters Neck Solar Installation Cost: $11,326
- 25-Year Savings: $18,619
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porters Neck
We break down average solar pricing in Porters Neck.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Porters Neck it's 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $11,326 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Porters Neck, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Porters Neck
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,128 |
| 3 years | $-7,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,337 |
| 7 years | $-2,941 |
| 9 years | $-546 |
| 11 years | $1,850 |
| 13 years | $4,245 |
| 15 years | $6,641 |
| 17 years | $9,036 |
| 19 years | $11,432 |
| 21 years | $13,828 |
| 23 years | $16,223 |
| 25 years | $18,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Porters Neck
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Porters Neck
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porters Neck
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Porters Neck: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,540. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Porters Neck to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $17,103 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,088 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,215 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,485 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,897 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,452 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,148 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $61,987 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Porters Neck, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porters Neck?
The average cost of solar panels in Porters Neck 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Porters Neck?
You can't get solar panels for free in Porters Neck. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Porters Neck?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Porters Neck?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.