Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesville, NC (2025 Update)
- Waynesville Solar Installation Cost: $17,360
- 25-Year Savings: $21,774
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesville
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Waynesville.
The average cost of a solar system in Waynesville is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $17,360 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Waynesville homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Waynesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,748 |
| 3 years | $-12,526 |
| 5 years | $-9,304 |
| 7 years | $-6,081 |
| 9 years | $-2,859 |
| 11 years | $363 |
| 13 years | $3,586 |
| 15 years | $6,808 |
| 17 years | $10,030 |
| 19 years | $13,253 |
| 21 years | $16,475 |
| 23 years | $19,698 |
| 25 years | $22,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Waynesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Waynesville: 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 significant 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in Waynesville.The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waynesville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Waynesville is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,827 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,829 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,028 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,423 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $35,015 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,804 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,789 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,970 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Waynesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
EcoWatch's Waynesville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waynesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Waynesville 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Waynesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Waynesville is currently $359,080, so you can expect a value of about $14,722 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Waynesville is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Waynesville?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.