Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winterville, NC (2023 Update)
- Winterville Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $21,244
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winterville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Winterville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Winterville is 2.54 per watt. The average Winterville homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,428 with the federal tax credit, or $17,772 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Winterville homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Winterville for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Winterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,081 |
| 3 years | $-8,388 |
| 5 years | $-5,694 |
| 7 years | $-3,000 |
| 9 years | $-306 |
| 11 years | $2,387 |
| 13 years | $5,081 |
| 15 years | $7,775 |
| 17 years | $10,469 |
| 19 years | $13,162 |
| 21 years | $15,856 |
| 23 years | $18,550 |
| 25 years | $21,244 |
Top Solar Installers in Winterville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Winterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winterville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Winterville is $12,428, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,540. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Winterville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Winterville have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Winterville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,825 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,051 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,420 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,931 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,584 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $50,379 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $57,316 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $64,396 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Winterville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winterville?
The average cost of solar panels in Winterville is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Winterville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Winterville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.