Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilson, NC (2023 Update)
- Wilson Solar Installation Cost: $12,482
- 25-Year Savings: $21,679
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Wilson.
In Wilson, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. The average Wilson homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,482 with the federal tax credit, or $17,849 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Wilson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wilson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,115 |
| 3 years | $-8,382 |
| 5 years | $-5,649 |
| 7 years | $-2,916 |
| 9 years | $-184 |
| 11 years | $2,549 |
| 13 years | $5,282 |
| 15 years | $8,015 |
| 17 years | $10,748 |
| 19 years | $13,481 |
| 21 years | $16,214 |
| 23 years | $18,947 |
| 25 years | $21,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilson
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Wilson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilson
For many Wilson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wilson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Wilson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wilson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure 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 on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Wilson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $18,118 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,442 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,908 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,517 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $44,267 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $51,160 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $58,195 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $65,372 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wilson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Wilson, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive 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 in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $973.76 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Wilson?
On average, solar panels can last 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.