Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leland, NC (2024 Update)

  • Leland Solar Installation Cost: $15,716
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,016
  • Payback Period: 11.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Leland

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Leland.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Leland typically cost around 4.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Leland, the average price of going solar will be about $15,716 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Leland

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-14,245
3 years$-11,303
5 years$-8,361
7 years$-5,418
9 years$-2,476
11 years$466
13 years$3,408
15 years$6,350
17 years$9,293
19 years$12,235
21 years$15,177
23 years$18,119
25 years$21,061

Top Solar Installers in Leland

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Leland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leland

For many Leland homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Leland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Leland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Leland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$15,98812.2 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$21,71012.0 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$27,62911.8 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$33,74411.5 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$40,05611.3 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$46,56511.1 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$53,27010.8 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$60,17210.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 Leland, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leland?

The average cost of solar panels in Leland is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Leland?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.