Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Bern, NC (2024 Update)
- New Bern Solar Installation Cost: $16,781
- 25-Year Savings: $20,026
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Bern
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in New Bern.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Bern typically cost around 4.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in New Bern, the average price of going solar will be about $16,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in New Bern can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in New Bern, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Bern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,310 |
| 3 years | $-12,368 |
| 5 years | $-9,426 |
| 7 years | $-6,484 |
| 9 years | $-3,542 |
| 11 years | $-599 |
| 13 years | $2,343 |
| 15 years | $5,285 |
| 17 years | $8,227 |
| 19 years | $11,169 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,054 |
| 25 years | $19,996 |
Top Solar Installers in New Bern
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various 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 New Bern
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Bern
The cost of installing a solar system in New Bern can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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
Most solar installers in New Bern provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in New Bern, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,928 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,631 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,530 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,626 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,918 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,407 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,092 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,974 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 New Bern, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Bern?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in New Bern?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 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.