Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Pines, NC (2023 Update)
- Southern Pines Solar Installation Cost: $12,284
- 25-Year Savings: $20,786
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Pines
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Southern Pines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southern Pines it's 2.54 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Southern Pines, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,286, or $17,569 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Southern Pines homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Southern Pines can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Southern Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,813 |
| 3 years | $-7,870 |
| 5 years | $-4,928 |
| 7 years | $-1,986 |
| 9 years | $956 |
| 11 years | $3,898 |
| 13 years | $6,841 |
| 15 years | $9,783 |
| 17 years | $12,725 |
| 19 years | $15,667 |
| 21 years | $18,609 |
| 23 years | $21,552 |
| 25 years | $24,494 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Pines
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Southern Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Pines
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Southern Pines: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Southern Pines homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,626 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,785 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,087 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,531 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,118 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,846 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $56,717 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $63,730 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Southern Pines, 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: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely 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 Southern Pines, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southern Pines?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $957.34 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Southern Pines?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.