Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tarboro, NC (2023 Update)
- Tarboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,523
- 25-Year Savings: $23,375
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tarboro
We break down average solar pricing in Tarboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Tarboro is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,517 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 Tarboro 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. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Tarboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tarboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,052 |
| 3 years | $-8,110 |
| 5 years | $-5,168 |
| 7 years | $-2,226 |
| 9 years | $716 |
| 11 years | $3,659 |
| 13 years | $6,601 |
| 15 years | $9,543 |
| 17 years | $12,485 |
| 19 years | $15,427 |
| 21 years | $18,370 |
| 23 years | $21,312 |
| 25 years | $24,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Tarboro
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Tarboro:
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 Tarboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tarboro
For many Tarboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tarboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tarboro, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Tarboro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $19,485 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $26,265 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $33,187 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $40,251 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $47,457 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $54,806 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $62,296 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $69,930 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project 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 Tarboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tarboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Tarboro is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tarboro?
A solar panel system isn't free in Tarboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Tarboro have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.