Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsboro, NC (2024 Update)
- Pittsboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,017
- 25-Year Savings: $22,060
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pittsboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsboro it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pittsboro is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,017 for a solar installation, or $24,334 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Pittsboro based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsboro find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Pittsboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,545 |
| 3 years | $-12,603 |
| 5 years | $-9,661 |
| 7 years | $-6,719 |
| 9 years | $-3,777 |
| 11 years | $-834 |
| 13 years | $2,108 |
| 15 years | $5,050 |
| 17 years | $7,992 |
| 19 years | $10,934 |
| 21 years | $13,876 |
| 23 years | $16,819 |
| 25 years | $19,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsboro
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in Pittsboro, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pittsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsboro
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pittsboro is $17,017, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Pittsboro, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Pittsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pittsboro provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Pittsboro homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Pittsboro, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,448 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $19,657 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $25,062 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $30,665 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $36,463 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $42,459 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $48,651 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $55,039 | 11.1 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project 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 Pittsboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsboro?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 Pittsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Pittsboro is currently $527,556, so you can look forward to a value of about $21,630 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pittsboro is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.