Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shallotte, NC (2024 Update)

  • Shallotte Solar Installation Cost: $15,716
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,016
  • Payback Period: 11.8 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 Shallotte

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Shallotte.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shallotte it’s 4 per watt.The average Shallotte homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,716 with the federal tax credit, or $22,474 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shallotte depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Shallotte homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Shallotte that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Shallotte

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,160
3 years $-11,047
5 years $-7,934
7 years $-4,821
9 years $-1,709
11 years $1,404
13 years $4,517
15 years $7,630
17 years $10,742
19 years $13,855
21 years $16,968
23 years $20,081
25 years $23,193

Top Solar Installers in Shallotte

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Shallotte

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shallotte

Though the average cost of a solar system in Shallotte is $15,716, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,510 per kilowatt in Shallotte.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shallotte, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Shallotte homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Shallotte, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $15,988 12.2 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $21,710 12.0 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $27,629 11.8 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $33,744 11.5 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $40,056 11.3 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $46,565 11.1 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $53,270 10.8 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $60,172 10.6 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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 Shallotte, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shallotte?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Shallotte?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 home 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.

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