Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, NC (2024 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $16,811
- 25-Year Savings: $19,274
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westport it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Westport, the average price of going solar will be about $16,811 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,489 |
| 3 years | $-12,844 |
| 5 years | $-10,200 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-4,912 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $377 |
| 15 years | $3,021 |
| 17 years | $5,665 |
| 19 years | $8,310 |
| 21 years | $10,954 |
| 23 years | $13,598 |
| 25 years | $16,242 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
The cost of installing a solar system in Westport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Westport, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Westport, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,238 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,711 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,380 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,245 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,308 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,566 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $42,022 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,673 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Westport, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westport?
The average cost of solar panels in Westport 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Westport?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Westport. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power 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 $918.99 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.