Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kitty Hawk, NC (2024 Update)
- Kitty Hawk Solar Installation Cost: $15,563
- 25-Year Savings: $21,628
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kitty Hawk
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Kitty Hawk.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kitty Hawk, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Kitty Hawk, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,563, or $22,255 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Kitty Hawk homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kitty Hawk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,085 |
| 3 years | $-11,128 |
| 5 years | $-8,170 |
| 7 years | $-5,213 |
| 9 years | $-2,256 |
| 11 years | $701 |
| 13 years | $3,658 |
| 15 years | $6,615 |
| 17 years | $9,573 |
| 19 years | $12,530 |
| 21 years | $15,487 |
| 23 years | $18,444 |
| 25 years | $21,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Kitty Hawk
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Kitty Hawk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kitty Hawk
The cost of installing a solar system in Kitty Hawk can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 nearly $3,510. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kitty Hawk, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kitty Hawk is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $15,823 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,490 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $27,354 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $33,415 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $39,672 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $46,126 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $52,776 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $59,623 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Kitty Hawk, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kitty Hawk?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kitty Hawk?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kitty Hawk is currently $625,877, which means you can look forward to a value of about $25,661 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kitty Hawk is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Kitty Hawk?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 after having 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.