Solar Panel Cost Guide in Royal Pines, NC (2024 Update)

  • Royal Pines Solar Installation Cost: $17,115
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,854
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Royal Pines

See how much it might cost to go solar in Royal Pines.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Royal Pines, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Royal Pines homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,115 with the federal tax credit, or $24,474 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Royal Pines based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Royal Pines homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Royal Pines

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,644
3 years$-12,702
5 years$-9,759
7 years$-6,817
9 years$-3,875
11 years$-933
13 years$2,009
15 years$4,951
17 years$7,894
19 years$10,836
21 years$13,778
23 years$16,720
25 years$19,662

Top Solar Installers in Royal Pines

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're looking for a solar company in Royal Pines, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Royal Pines

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Royal Pines

The cost of installing a solar system in Royal Pines can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Royal Pines to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Royal Pines, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$13,29813.4 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$18,12413.1 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$23,14712.9 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$28,36612.6 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$33,78112.4 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$39,39312.1 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$45,20211.8 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$51,20711.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Royal Pines, 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Royal Pines, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Royal Pines?

This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Royal Pines?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.