Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockfish, NC (2024 Update)
- Rockfish Solar Installation Cost: $16,876
- 25-Year Savings: $20,998
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockfish
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rockfish.
The average cost of a solar system in Rockfish is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rockfish is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,876 for a solar installation, or $24,133 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rockfish can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockfish
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,405 |
| 3 years | $-12,463 |
| 5 years | $-9,521 |
| 7 years | $-6,578 |
| 9 years | $-3,636 |
| 11 years | $-694 |
| 13 years | $2,248 |
| 15 years | $5,190 |
| 17 years | $8,133 |
| 19 years | $11,075 |
| 21 years | $14,017 |
| 23 years | $16,959 |
| 25 years | $19,901 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockfish
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Rockfish:
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 Rockfish
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockfish
For many Rockfish homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockfish, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rockfish, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockfish to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $13,679 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,631 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,781 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,127 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,669 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,408 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,343 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,475 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rockfish, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Rockfish, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockfish?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rockfish?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rockfish is currently $217,293, so you can expect a value of about $8,909 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rockfish is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Rockfish?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.