Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabeth City, NC (2024 Update)

  • Elizabeth City Solar Installation Cost: $17,044
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,998
  • Payback Period: 12.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabeth City

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Elizabeth City.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elizabeth City generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Elizabeth City is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,044 for a solar installation, or $24,373 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Elizabeth City depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Elizabeth City for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Elizabeth City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,562
3 years $-12,599
5 years $-9,635
7 years $-6,672
9 years $-3,709
11 years $-745
13 years $2,218
15 years $5,182
17 years $8,145
19 years $11,108
21 years $14,072
23 years $17,035
25 years $19,998

Top Solar Installers in Elizabeth City

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Elizabeth City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabeth City

The cost of installing a solar system in Elizabeth City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 about $3,510. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Elizabeth City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Elizabeth City 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Elizabeth City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $14,999 12.6 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $20,392 12.4 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $25,982 12.2 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $31,768 11.9 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $37,751 11.7 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $43,930 11.4 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $50,305 11.2 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $56,878 10.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Elizabeth City, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elizabeth City?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Elizabeth City?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Elizabeth City, 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 you can take advantage of.

Does Elizabeth City have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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