Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilkesboro, NC (2024 Update)
- Wilkesboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,223
- 25-Year Savings: $21,739
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilkesboro
We break down average solar pricing in Wilkesboro.
In Wilkesboro, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Wilkesboro is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,223 for a solar installation, or $24,629 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Wilkesboro homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Wilkesboro for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Wilkesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,901 |
| 3 years | $-13,257 |
| 5 years | $-10,613 |
| 7 years | $-7,969 |
| 9 years | $-5,324 |
| 11 years | $-2,680 |
| 13 years | $-36 |
| 15 years | $2,608 |
| 17 years | $5,253 |
| 19 years | $7,897 |
| 21 years | $10,541 |
| 23 years | $13,185 |
| 25 years | $15,830 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilkesboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Wilkesboro, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilkesboro
For many Wilkesboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wilkesboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Wilkesboro, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Wilkesboro homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Wilkesboro, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,943 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,984 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $24,222 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,656 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $35,286 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $41,113 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $47,137 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $53,357 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 big role in the company you go with.
- 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wilkesboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilkesboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilkesboro 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wilkesboro?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Wilkesboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Wilkesboro have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 electricity 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.