Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zebulon, NC (2023 Update)
- Zebulon Solar Installation Cost: $12,428
- 25-Year Savings: $20,685
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zebulon
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Zebulon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Zebulon typically cost around 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,428 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Zebulon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zebulon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,104 |
| 3 years | $-8,455 |
| 5 years | $-5,806 |
| 7 years | $-3,156 |
| 9 years | $-507 |
| 11 years | $2,142 |
| 13 years | $4,791 |
| 15 years | $7,440 |
| 17 years | $10,089 |
| 19 years | $12,738 |
| 21 years | $15,387 |
| 23 years | $18,036 |
| 25 years | $20,685 |
Top Solar Installers in Zebulon
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Zebulon, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Zebulon. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Zebulon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Zebulon to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. 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 more than the original 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 solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,343 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,409 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,617 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,967 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,459 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,094 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,870 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,790 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Zebulon 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Zebulon is currently $167,000, so you can expect a value of about $6,847 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Zebulon is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Zebulon?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.
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.