Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunset Beach, NC (2024 Update)
- Sunset Beach Solar Installation Cost: $15,716
- 25-Year Savings: $22,016
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunset Beach
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sunset Beach.
In Sunset Beach, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sunset Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $15,716 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Sunset Beach homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Sunset Beach, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sunset Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,245 |
| 3 years | $-11,303 |
| 5 years | $-8,361 |
| 7 years | $-5,418 |
| 9 years | $-2,476 |
| 11 years | $466 |
| 13 years | $3,408 |
| 15 years | $6,350 |
| 17 years | $9,293 |
| 19 years | $12,235 |
| 21 years | $15,177 |
| 23 years | $18,119 |
| 25 years | $21,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunset Beach
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sunset Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunset Beach
For many Sunset Beach homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sunset Beach, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Sunset Beach, 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sunset Beach, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Sunset Beach offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sunset Beach is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,988 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,710 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,629 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,744 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $40,056 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,565 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $53,270 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $60,172 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Sunset Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Sunset Beach, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sunset Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sunset Beach, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.