Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beaufort, NC (2024 Update)
- Beaufort Solar Installation Cost: $15,422
- 25-Year Savings: $20,398
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beaufort
We go over average solar pricing in Beaufort.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Beaufort it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Beaufort is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,422 for a solar installation, or $22,053 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Beaufort homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Beaufort find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beaufort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,951 |
| 3 years | $-11,009 |
| 5 years | $-8,067 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-2,182 |
| 11 years | $760 |
| 13 years | $3,702 |
| 15 years | $6,644 |
| 17 years | $9,586 |
| 19 years | $12,529 |
| 21 years | $15,471 |
| 23 years | $18,413 |
| 25 years | $21,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Beaufort
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify 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 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 Beaufort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beaufort
There are many criteria 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Beaufort average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Beaufort homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Beaufort’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $14,835 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,173 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,707 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,438 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,366 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $43,490 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $49,811 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $56,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Beaufort, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Beaufort, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beaufort?
The average cost of solar panels in Beaufort is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.