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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Whiteville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Whiteville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Whiteville is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,553 for a solar installation, or $23,671 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Whiteville homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Whiteville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whiteville
| Year | Return 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Whiteville, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Whiteville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiteville
For many Whiteville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Whiteville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,510 per kilowatt in Whiteville.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Whiteville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Whiteville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $14,405 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,600 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,991 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $30,579 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $36,363 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $42,344 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $48,522 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $54,896 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Whiteville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Whiteville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Whiteville?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Whiteville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.