Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sawmills, NC (2023 Update)
- Sawmills Solar Installation Cost: $12,432
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sawmills
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar 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. The average Sawmills homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,428 with the federal tax credit, or $17,772 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sawmills depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Sawmills for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sawmills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,110 |
| 3 years | $-8,466 |
| 5 years | $-5,822 |
| 7 years | $-3,178 |
| 9 years | $-533 |
| 11 years | $2,111 |
| 13 years | $4,755 |
| 15 years | $7,399 |
| 17 years | $10,044 |
| 19 years | $12,688 |
| 21 years | $15,332 |
| 23 years | $17,976 |
| 25 years | $20,621 |
Top Solar Installers in Sawmills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Sawmills, we've put together 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
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 go solar comes down to 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 numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sawmills is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. 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 go with the 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 | $17,149 | 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 a lot of companies to choose from in Sawmills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sawmills?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Sawmills?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get 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.