Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockingham, NC (2024 Update)
- Rockingham Solar Installation Cost: $16,785
- 25-Year Savings: $20,992
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockingham
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockingham.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockingham it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rockingham is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,785 for a solar installation, or $24,003 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rockingham see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Rockingham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,314 |
| 3 years | $-12,371 |
| 5 years | $-9,429 |
| 7 years | $-6,487 |
| 9 years | $-3,545 |
| 11 years | $-603 |
| 13 years | $2,339 |
| 15 years | $5,282 |
| 17 years | $8,224 |
| 19 years | $11,166 |
| 21 years | $14,108 |
| 23 years | $17,050 |
| 25 years | $19,993 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockingham
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rockingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockingham
The cost of installing a solar system in Rockingham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company 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, your total will most likely increase by around $3,510. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rockingham average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rockingham homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,773 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,758 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,939 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,316 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,890 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,661 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,628 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,791 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Rockingham, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockingham?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rockingham?
Solar panels aren’t free in Rockingham, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s 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."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.