Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trinity, NC (2024 Update)
- Trinity Solar Installation Cost: $16,982
- 25-Year Savings: $19,375
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trinity
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Trinity.
The average cost of solar panels in Trinity is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $16,982 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Trinity based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trinity
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,016 |
| 5 years | $-10,371 |
| 7 years | $-7,727 |
| 9 years | $-5,083 |
| 11 years | $-2,439 |
| 13 years | $206 |
| 15 years | $2,850 |
| 17 years | $5,494 |
| 19 years | $8,138 |
| 21 years | $10,783 |
| 23 years | $13,427 |
| 25 years | $16,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Trinity
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Trinity, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Trinity, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Trinity
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trinity
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Trinity, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Trinity’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,155 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,600 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,241 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,079 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,114 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,345 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,772 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,397 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Trinity, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trinity?
The average cost of solar panels in Trinity is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Trinity?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Trinity, 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.
Does Trinity have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.