Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, NC (2023 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $12,165
- 25-Year Savings: $19,274
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Westport.
The average cost of solar panels in Westport is 2.54 per watt. The average Westport homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,162 with the federal tax credit, or $17,392 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westport find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Westport for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,843 |
| 3 years | $-8,199 |
| 5 years | $-5,554 |
| 7 years | $-2,910 |
| 9 years | $-266 |
| 11 years | $2,378 |
| 13 years | $5,023 |
| 15 years | $7,667 |
| 17 years | $10,311 |
| 19 years | $12,955 |
| 21 years | $15,600 |
| 23 years | $18,244 |
| 25 years | $20,888 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Westport:
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 Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
For many Westport homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly 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 major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Westport homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Westport homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Westport's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $16,475 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,251 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,170 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,230 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $40,433 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $46,778 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $53,266 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $59,895 | 8.7 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Westport, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westport?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Westport, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
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.