Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stokesdale, NC (Mar 2023)
- Stokesdale Solar Installation Cost: $12,393
- 25-Year Savings: $18,275
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stokesdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Stokesdale.
The average cost of solar panels in Stokesdale is 2.54 per watt. The average Stokesdale homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,393 with the federal tax credit, or $17,722 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Stokesdale based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Stokesdale homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stokesdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,166 |
| 3 years | $-8,713 |
| 5 years | $-6,259 |
| 7 years | $-3,806 |
| 9 years | $-1,352 |
| 11 years | $1,101 |
| 13 years | $3,554 |
| 15 years | $6,008 |
| 17 years | $8,461 |
| 19 years | $10,915 |
| 21 years | $13,368 |
| 23 years | $15,821 |
| 25 years | $18,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Stokesdale
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Stokesdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stokesdale
For many Stokesdale homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stokesdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Stokesdale, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Stokesdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Stokesdale, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better 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 down 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 | $15,300 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,685 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,211 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $31,881 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $37,692 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $43,645 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $49,741 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $55,979 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Stokesdale, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stokesdale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Stokesdale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Stokesdale, 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $879.83 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Stokesdale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.