Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sawmills, NC (2024 Update)
- Sawmills Solar Installation Cost: $17,180
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sawmills
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sawmills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sawmills, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,180 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sawmills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,858 |
| 3 years | $-13,214 |
| 5 years | $-10,570 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-5,281 |
| 11 years | $-2,637 |
| 13 years | $7 |
| 15 years | $2,652 |
| 17 years | $5,296 |
| 19 years | $7,940 |
| 21 years | $10,584 |
| 23 years | $13,229 |
| 25 years | $15,873 |
Top Solar Installers in Sawmills
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sawmills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sawmills
For many Sawmills homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sawmills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 nearly $3,510. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sawmills to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Sawmills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sawmills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 end up saving you 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,912 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,609 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,503 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,593 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,879 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,363 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,043 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,919 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 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 $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type 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 option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Sawmills?
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.