Solar Panel Cost Guide in Roanoke Rapids, NC (Mar 2023)
- Roanoke Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $12,553
- 25-Year Savings: $21,961
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Roanoke Rapids
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Roanoke Rapids.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Roanoke Rapids it's 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Roanoke Rapids, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,553, or $17,951 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Roanoke Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,172 |
| 3 years | $-8,411 |
| 5 years | $-5,650 |
| 7 years | $-2,889 |
| 9 years | $-128 |
| 11 years | $2,633 |
| 13 years | $5,394 |
| 15 years | $8,155 |
| 17 years | $10,917 |
| 19 years | $13,678 |
| 21 years | $16,439 |
| 23 years | $19,200 |
| 25 years | $21,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Roanoke Rapids
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Roanoke Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Roanoke Rapids
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Roanoke Rapids: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,540. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 Roanoke Rapids to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Roanoke Rapids is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Roanoke Rapids know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,229 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,590 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,093 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,738 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,525 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,455 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,527 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,741 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Roanoke Rapids, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Roanoke Rapids, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Roanoke Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Roanoke Rapids 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Roanoke Rapids?
You can't get solar panels for free in Roanoke Rapids. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Does Roanoke Rapids have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Roanoke Rapids?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.