Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteville, NC (2023 Update)
- Whiteville Solar Installation Cost: $11,978
- 25-Year Savings: $21,411
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteville
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Whiteville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whiteville, the average cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Whiteville, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,984, or $17,137 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Whiteville for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Whiteville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,867 |
| 3 years | $-11,644 |
| 5 years | $-11,422 |
| 7 years | $-11,199 |
| 9 years | $-10,976 |
| 11 years | $-10,754 |
| 13 years | $-10,531 |
| 15 years | $-10,309 |
| 17 years | $-10,086 |
| 19 years | $-9,863 |
| 21 years | $-9,641 |
| 23 years | $-9,418 |
| 25 years | $-9,196 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteville
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Whiteville:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Whiteville is $11,984, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,540. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Whiteville, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Whiteville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 car 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $18,642 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $25,140 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,781 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,564 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,489 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,556 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,766 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $67,118 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from 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, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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?
This is a difficult 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Whiteville?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.