Solar Panel Cost Guide in Royal Pines, NC (2023 Update)

  • Royal Pines Solar Installation Cost: $12,385
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,854
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Royal Pines

We break down average solar pricing in Royal Pines.

In Royal Pines, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Royal Pines, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,393, or $17,722 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Royal Pines homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Royal Pines

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,274
3 years $-12,053
5 years $-11,831
7 years $-11,610
9 years $-11,388
11 years $-11,166
13 years $-10,945
15 years $-10,723
17 years $-10,502
19 years $-10,280
21 years $-10,058
23 years $-9,837
25 years $-9,615

Top Solar Installers in Royal Pines

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Royal Pines:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Royal Pines

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Royal Pines

The cost of installing a solar system in Royal Pines can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Royal Pines. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Royal Pines average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Royal Pines provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Royal Pines, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $17,535 9.7 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $23,665 9.5 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $29,937 9.3 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $36,351 9.1 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $42,907 8.9 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $49,606 8.8 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $56,446 8.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $63,429 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Royal Pines, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Royal Pines?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Royal Pines?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Royal Pines?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.

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