Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesville, NC (Mar 2023)
- Waynesville Solar Installation Cost: $12,570
- 25-Year Savings: $21,766
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Waynesville.
In Waynesville, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $12,570 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Waynesville 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. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Waynesville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Waynesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,197 |
| 3 years | $-8,450 |
| 5 years | $-5,703 |
| 7 years | $-2,956 |
| 9 years | $-209 |
| 11 years | $2,538 |
| 13 years | $5,285 |
| 15 years | $8,032 |
| 17 years | $10,779 |
| 19 years | $13,525 |
| 21 years | $16,272 |
| 23 years | $19,019 |
| 25 years | $21,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesville
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Waynesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesville
The cost of installing a solar system in Waynesville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,540. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waynesville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Waynesville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Waynesville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 names.
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 | $18,064 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,370 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,818 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,408 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,141 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,016 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,033 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,192 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Waynesville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waynesville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waynesville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Waynesville. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $971.96 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Waynesville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.