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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wilkesboro find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Wilkesboro, you can click the button below.
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 by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Wilkesboro, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Wilkesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilkesboro
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Wilkesboro is $17,223, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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
Most solar installers in Wilkesboro offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Wilkesboro, you’ll have many 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 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 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels 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?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Wilkesboro?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.