Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swansboro, NC (2025 Update)
- Swansboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,335
- 25-Year Savings: $20,391
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swansboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Swansboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Swansboro it’s 4 per watt.The average Swansboro homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,335 with the federal tax credit, or $23,359 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Swansboro homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Swansboro find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Swansboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,864 |
| 3 years | $-11,922 |
| 5 years | $-8,980 |
| 7 years | $-6,038 |
| 9 years | $-3,095 |
| 11 years | $-153 |
| 13 years | $2,789 |
| 15 years | $5,731 |
| 17 years | $8,673 |
| 19 years | $11,616 |
| 21 years | $14,558 |
| 23 years | $17,500 |
| 25 years | $20,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Swansboro
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Swansboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swansboro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Swansboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,510 per kilowatt in Swansboro.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Swansboro homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Swansboro is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,738 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,711 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,880 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,246 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,808 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,567 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,523 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,675 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Swansboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Swansboro?
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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Swansboro?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Swansboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Swansboro, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.