Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilkesboro, NC (2023 Update)
- Wilkesboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,464
- 25-Year Savings: $21,739
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilkesboro
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Wilkesboro.
The average cost of solar panels in Wilkesboro is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,464 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wilkesboro homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wilkesboro find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wilkesboro that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wilkesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,142 |
| 3 years | $-8,497 |
| 5 years | $-5,853 |
| 7 years | $-3,209 |
| 9 years | $-565 |
| 11 years | $2,080 |
| 13 years | $4,724 |
| 15 years | $7,368 |
| 17 years | $10,012 |
| 19 years | $12,657 |
| 21 years | $15,301 |
| 23 years | $17,945 |
| 25 years | $20,589 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilkesboro
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilkesboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilkesboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Wilkesboro. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wilkesboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Wilkesboro, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wilkesboro, you'll have plenty of 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 undercut 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 | $18,180 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,525 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,012 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,641 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,412 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,325 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,381 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,579 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know 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 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 $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wilkesboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wilkesboro is currently $135,026, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,536 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wilkesboro is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.