Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surf City, NC (2024 Update)
- Surf City Solar Installation Cost: $16,440
- 25-Year Savings: $21,798
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Surf City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Surf City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Surf City, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,440 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Surf City find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Surf City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Surf City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,969 |
| 3 years | $-12,027 |
| 5 years | $-9,085 |
| 7 years | $-6,142 |
| 9 years | $-3,200 |
| 11 years | $-258 |
| 13 years | $2,684 |
| 15 years | $5,626 |
| 17 years | $8,569 |
| 19 years | $11,511 |
| 21 years | $14,453 |
| 23 years | $17,395 |
| 25 years | $20,337 |
Top Solar Installers in Surf City
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Surf City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Surf City
The cost of installing a solar system in Surf City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,510 per kilowatt in Surf City.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Surf City, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Surf City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Surf City know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,883 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,237 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,788 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,535 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,479 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $43,619 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $49,956 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $56,489 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Surf City, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Surf City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Surf City is currently $523,658, which means you could be looking at a value of about $21,470 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Surf City is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.