Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cary, NC (2024 Update)
- Cary Solar Installation Cost: $17,099
- 25-Year Savings: $17,724
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cary
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cary.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cary generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,099 before the 0 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 equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Cary can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Cary for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,655 |
| 3 years | $-12,767 |
| 5 years | $-9,879 |
| 7 years | $-6,991 |
| 9 years | $-4,103 |
| 11 years | $-1,215 |
| 13 years | $1,673 |
| 15 years | $4,561 |
| 17 years | $7,449 |
| 19 years | $10,337 |
| 21 years | $13,225 |
| 23 years | $16,113 |
| 25 years | $19,001 |
Top Solar Installers in Cary
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Cary, we've 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 Cary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cary
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cary homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cary, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $10,617 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $14,549 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $18,678 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $23,003 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $27,525 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $32,243 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $37,158 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $42,269 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Cary, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cary?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cary?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cary, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cary, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 buy 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.