Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, NC (Mar 2023)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $12,162
- 25-Year Savings: $19,277
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
We break down average solar pricing in Westport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westport generally cost around 2.54. The average solar panel system size in Westport is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,162 for a solar installation, or $17,392 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Westport based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westport can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Westport for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,904 |
| 3 years | $-8,389 |
| 5 years | $-5,874 |
| 7 years | $-3,359 |
| 9 years | $-844 |
| 11 years | $1,672 |
| 13 years | $4,187 |
| 15 years | $6,702 |
| 17 years | $9,217 |
| 19 years | $11,732 |
| 21 years | $14,247 |
| 23 years | $16,762 |
| 25 years | $19,277 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
Though the average cost of a solar system in Westport is $12,162, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westport, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Westport, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westport is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 (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 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.