Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Stephens, NC (Mar 2023)
- St Stephens Solar Installation Cost: $12,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,583
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Stephens
See how much it might cost to go solar in St Stephens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St Stephens, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in St Stephens is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,197 for a solar installation, or $17,442 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in St Stephens depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in St Stephens see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in St Stephens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,886 |
| 3 years | $-8,263 |
| 5 years | $-5,641 |
| 7 years | $-3,019 |
| 9 years | $-396 |
| 11 years | $2,226 |
| 13 years | $4,849 |
| 15 years | $7,471 |
| 17 years | $10,093 |
| 19 years | $12,716 |
| 21 years | $15,338 |
| 23 years | $17,961 |
| 25 years | $20,583 |
Top Solar Installers in St Stephens
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are several criteria that can influence 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St Stephens, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in St Stephens is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.