Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tabor City, NC (2023 Update)
- Tabor City Solar Installation Cost: $11,978
- 25-Year Savings: $21,411
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tabor City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Tabor City.
In Tabor City, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Tabor City is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,984 for a solar installation, or $17,137 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tabor City homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tabor City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,867 |
| 3 years | $-11,644 |
| 5 years | $-11,422 |
| 7 years | $-11,199 |
| 9 years | $-10,976 |
| 11 years | $-10,754 |
| 13 years | $-10,531 |
| 15 years | $-10,309 |
| 17 years | $-10,086 |
| 19 years | $-9,863 |
| 21 years | $-9,641 |
| 23 years | $-9,418 |
| 25 years | $-9,196 |
Top Solar Installers in Tabor City
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Tabor City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tabor City
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Tabor City. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tabor City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tabor City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tabor City 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Tabor City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $18,642 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,140 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,781 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,564 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,489 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,556 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,766 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $67,118 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Tabor City, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tabor City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tabor City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Tabor City. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Tabor City have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.