Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Stephens, NC (2023 Update)
- St. Stephens Solar Installation Cost: $12,191
- 25-Year Savings: $20,589
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Stephens
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in St. Stephens.
In St. Stephens, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,197 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St. Stephens homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in St. Stephens, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Stephens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,082 |
| 3 years | $-11,863 |
| 5 years | $-11,645 |
| 7 years | $-11,426 |
| 9 years | $-11,208 |
| 11 years | $-10,989 |
| 13 years | $-10,771 |
| 15 years | $-10,552 |
| 17 years | $-10,334 |
| 19 years | $-10,115 |
| 21 years | $-9,897 |
| 23 years | $-9,678 |
| 25 years | $-9,460 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Stephens
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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. Stephens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Stephens
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Stephens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in St. Stephens, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in St. Stephens, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill 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 because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,589 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,737 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,027 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,459 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,033 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,750 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $56,608 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $63,609 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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. Stephens, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Stephens?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Stephens is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Stephens?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Stephens?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.