Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southport, NC (2023 Update)
- Southport Solar Installation Cost: $11,373
- 25-Year Savings: $22,016
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southport
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Southport.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Southport typically cost about 2.54. Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Southport, the average price of going solar will be about $11,379 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Southport see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Southport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,262 |
| 3 years | $-11,039 |
| 5 years | $-10,816 |
| 7 years | $-10,594 |
| 9 years | $-10,371 |
| 11 years | $-10,149 |
| 13 years | $-9,926 |
| 15 years | $-9,703 |
| 17 years | $-9,481 |
| 19 years | $-9,258 |
| 21 years | $-9,036 |
| 23 years | $-8,813 |
| 25 years | $-8,590 |
Top Solar Installers in Southport
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Southport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southport
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Southport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Southport, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Southport homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Southport's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $20,225 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $27,251 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $34,419 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $41,729 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $49,182 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $56,777 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $64,514 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $72,394 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Southport, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southport?
The average cost of solar panels in Southport 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Southport?
You can't get solar panels for free in Southport. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Southport?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Southport?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.