Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sawmills, NC (2023 Update)
- Sawmills Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $20,487
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sawmills
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Sawmills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sawmills, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sawmills, the average price of going solar will be about $12,428 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Sawmills homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sawmills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,112 |
| 3 years | $-8,478 |
| 5 years | $-5,845 |
| 7 years | $-3,212 |
| 9 years | $-579 |
| 11 years | $2,054 |
| 13 years | $4,688 |
| 15 years | $7,321 |
| 17 years | $9,954 |
| 19 years | $12,587 |
| 21 years | $15,220 |
| 23 years | $17,854 |
| 25 years | $20,487 |
Top Solar Installers in Sawmills
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sawmills, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sawmills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sawmills
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sawmills, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sawmills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,149 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,150 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,293 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,578 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,005 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,575 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,287 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,141 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Sawmills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Sawmills, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sawmills?
The average cost of solar panels in Sawmills is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sawmills?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.