Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. James, NC (2024 Update)
- St. James Solar Installation Cost: $15,716
- 25-Year Savings: $22,016
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. James
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. James.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. James typically cost about 4.The average St. James homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,716 with the federal tax credit, or $22,474 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St. James homeowners. The cost 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 sound investment. The average homeowner in St. James can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in St. James, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. James
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,245 |
| 3 years | $-11,303 |
| 5 years | $-8,361 |
| 7 years | $-5,418 |
| 9 years | $-2,476 |
| 11 years | $466 |
| 13 years | $3,408 |
| 15 years | $6,350 |
| 17 years | $9,293 |
| 19 years | $12,235 |
| 21 years | $15,177 |
| 23 years | $18,119 |
| 25 years | $21,061 |
Top Solar Installers in St. James
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar company in St. James, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 St. James
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. James
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many St. James homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. James homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. St. James’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 lower 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $15,988 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,710 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,629 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,744 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,056 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,565 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,270 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,172 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in St. James, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 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: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-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 St. James, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. James?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. James?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. James. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St. James, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.