Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinehurst, NC (2024 Update)
- Pinehurst Solar Installation Cost: $16,975
- 25-Year Savings: $21,241
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinehurst
We break down average solar pricing in Pinehurst.
In Pinehurst, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Pinehurst homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,975 with the federal tax credit, or $24,274 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Pinehurst homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pinehurst that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pinehurst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,504 |
| 3 years | $-12,561 |
| 5 years | $-9,619 |
| 7 years | $-6,677 |
| 9 years | $-3,735 |
| 11 years | $-793 |
| 13 years | $2,150 |
| 15 years | $5,092 |
| 17 years | $8,034 |
| 19 years | $10,976 |
| 21 years | $13,918 |
| 23 years | $16,861 |
| 25 years | $19,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Pinehurst
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Pinehurst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinehurst
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Pinehurst: 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 adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,510 per kilowatt in Pinehurst.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pinehurst have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Pinehurst, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,783 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,770 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,954 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,335 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,912 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,686 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,656 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,823 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Pinehurst, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Pinehurst, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pinehurst?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Pinehurst have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.