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
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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.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $16,847 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in St. Stephens based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Stephens find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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 possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in St. Stephens:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Stephens average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Stephens, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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
There are a lot of companies available in St. Stephens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Stephens?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Stephens, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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 should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install 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.