Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sawmills, NC (2024 Update)
- Sawmills Solar Installation Cost: $17,180
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sawmills
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sawmills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sawmills generally cost about 4.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sawmills, the average price of going solar will be about $17,180 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sawmills homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sawmills find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sawmills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,858 |
| 3 years | $-13,214 |
| 5 years | $-10,570 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-5,281 |
| 11 years | $-2,637 |
| 13 years | $7 |
| 15 years | $2,652 |
| 17 years | $5,296 |
| 19 years | $7,940 |
| 21 years | $10,584 |
| 23 years | $13,229 |
| 25 years | $15,873 |
Top Solar Installers in Sawmills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sawmills, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Sawmills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sawmills
For many Sawmills homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sawmills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in Sawmills.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sawmills, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sawmills homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Sawmills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sawmills know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,912 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,609 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,503 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,593 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,879 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,363 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,043 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,919 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Sawmills, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sawmills?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sawmills?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Sawmills?
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 enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.