Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zebulon, NC (2024 Update)
- Zebulon Solar Installation Cost: $17,166
- 25-Year Savings: $20,692
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zebulon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Zebulon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zebulon it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,166 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Zebulon can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zebulon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,695 |
| 3 years | $-12,752 |
| 5 years | $-9,810 |
| 7 years | $-6,868 |
| 9 years | $-3,926 |
| 11 years | $-984 |
| 13 years | $1,959 |
| 15 years | $4,901 |
| 17 years | $7,843 |
| 19 years | $10,785 |
| 21 years | $13,727 |
| 23 years | $16,670 |
| 25 years | $19,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Zebulon
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Zebulon, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Zebulon, 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 Zebulon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zebulon
While the average cost of a solar system in Zebulon is $17,166, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Zebulon, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Zebulon offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Zebulon is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,106 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,868 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,827 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,982 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,333 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,882 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,626 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,568 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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 the EcoWatch team.
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 Zebulon, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zebulon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $947.94 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.