Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington, NC (2025 Update)
- Wilmington Solar Installation Cost: $15,655
- 25-Year Savings: $20,946
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Wilmington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wilmington it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Wilmington is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,655 for a solar installation, or $22,387 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,184 |
| 3 years | $-11,242 |
| 5 years | $-8,300 |
| 7 years | $-5,358 |
| 9 years | $-2,416 |
| 11 years | $527 |
| 13 years | $3,469 |
| 15 years | $6,411 |
| 17 years | $9,353 |
| 19 years | $12,295 |
| 21 years | $15,238 |
| 23 years | $18,180 |
| 25 years | $21,122 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilmington
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Wilmington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilmington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,510 per kilowatt in Wilmington.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wilmington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wilmington, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,060 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,473 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $26,083 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,889 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,892 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $44,091 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $50,487 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $57,080 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Wilmington, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilmington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wilmington?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wilmington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Wilmington?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.