Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteville, NC (2024 Update)

  • Whiteville Solar Installation Cost: $16,553
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,411
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteville

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Whiteville.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whiteville, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Whiteville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,553 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Whiteville depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Whiteville, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Whiteville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,081
3 years$-12,139
5 years$-9,197
7 years$-6,255
9 years$-3,313
11 years$-370
13 years$2,572
15 years$5,514
17 years$8,456
19 years$11,398
21 years$14,340
23 years$17,283
25 years$20,225

Top Solar Installers in Whiteville

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Whiteville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiteville

The cost of installing a solar system in Whiteville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Whiteville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Whiteville, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Whiteville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$14,40512.9 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$19,60012.6 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$24,99112.4 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$30,57912.1 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$36,36311.9 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$42,34411.7 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$48,52211.4 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$54,89611.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Whiteville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Whiteville, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whiteville?

The average cost of solar panels in Whiteville is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type 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 Whiteville?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Whiteville?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 replace them after having 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.

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.