Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Stephens, NC (2024 Update)

  • St. Stephens Solar Installation Cost: $16,847
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,589
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Stephens

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Stephens.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Stephens typically cost about 4.The average St. Stephens homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,847 with the federal tax credit, or $24,091 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in St. Stephens based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in St. Stephens can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in St. Stephens that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in St. Stephens

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,525
3 years $-12,881
5 years $-10,236
7 years $-7,592
9 years $-4,948
11 years $-2,304
13 years $341
15 years $2,985
17 years $5,629
19 years $8,273
21 years $10,918
23 years $13,562
25 years $16,206

Top Solar Installers in St. Stephens

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar installer in St. Stephens, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Though the average cost of a solar system in St. Stephens is $16,847, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in St. Stephens, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in St. Stephens, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $13,352 13.4 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $18,196 13.1 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $23,237 12.8 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $28,474 12.6 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $33,907 12.3 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $39,537 12.1 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $45,364 11.8 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $51,387 11.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall 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: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in St. Stephens?

You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Stephens. 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.

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. Stephens, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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