Solar Panel Cost Guide in Knightdale, NC (2024 Update)
- Knightdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,183
- 25-Year Savings: $19,594
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Knightdale
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Knightdale.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Knightdale generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Knightdale is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,183 for a solar installation, or $24,572 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Knightdale find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Knightdale for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Knightdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,712 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-9,828 |
| 7 years | $-6,885 |
| 9 years | $-3,943 |
| 11 years | $-1,001 |
| 13 years | $1,941 |
| 15 years | $4,883 |
| 17 years | $7,825 |
| 19 years | $10,768 |
| 21 years | $13,710 |
| 23 years | $16,652 |
| 25 years | $19,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Knightdale
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Knightdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Knightdale
For many Knightdale homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Knightdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Knightdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Knightdale to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Knightdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $12,534 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,105 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,872 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,836 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,997 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $37,354 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $42,908 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $48,658 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Knightdale, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Knightdale, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Knightdale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Knightdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.