Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wendell, NC (2023 Update)
- Wendell Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $20,685
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wendell
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Wendell.
The average cost of a solar system in Wendell is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,428 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wendell find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Wendell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wendell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,104 |
| 3 years | $-8,455 |
| 5 years | $-5,806 |
| 7 years | $-3,156 |
| 9 years | $-507 |
| 11 years | $2,142 |
| 13 years | $4,791 |
| 15 years | $7,440 |
| 17 years | $10,089 |
| 19 years | $12,738 |
| 21 years | $15,387 |
| 23 years | $18,036 |
| 25 years | $20,685 |
Top Solar Installers in Wendell
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wendell:
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 Wendell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wendell
There are several criteria that can affect your total 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 price of a solar panel system in Wendell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Wendell, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,314 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,370 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,569 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,909 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,392 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,017 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,784 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,693 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wendell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Wendell, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wendell?
The average cost of solar panels in Wendell 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Wendell?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wendell. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wendell?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.