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

  • Louisburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,325
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,799
  • Payback Period: 11.9 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Louisburg

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Louisburg.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Louisburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $17,325 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Louisburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,854
3 years $-12,912
5 years $-9,970
7 years $-7,027
9 years $-4,085
11 years $-1,143
13 years $1,799
15 years $4,741
17 years $7,684
19 years $10,626
21 years $13,568
23 years $16,510
25 years $19,452

Top Solar Installers in Louisburg

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Louisburg, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Louisburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Louisburg

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Louisburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,510 per kilowatt in Louisburg.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Louisburg’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 go with the company that has 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 $15,587 12.4 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $21,176 12.2 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $26,961 11.9 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $32,943 11.7 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $39,121 11.4 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $45,496 11.2 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $52,068 11.0 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $58,836 10.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences 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: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions 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 Louisburg, NC Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Louisburg?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Louisburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

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 Louisburg is currently $301,371, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,356 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Louisburg is a fruitful investment.

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 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

Follow us