Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Pines, NC (2024 Update)
- Southern Pines Solar Installation Cost: $16,975
- 25-Year Savings: $20,786
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Pines
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Southern Pines.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southern Pines, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southern Pines is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,975 for a solar installation, or $24,274 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southern Pines find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southern Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,504 |
| 3 years | $-12,561 |
| 5 years | $-9,619 |
| 7 years | $-6,677 |
| 9 years | $-3,735 |
| 11 years | $-793 |
| 13 years | $2,150 |
| 15 years | $5,092 |
| 17 years | $8,034 |
| 19 years | $10,976 |
| 21 years | $13,918 |
| 23 years | $16,861 |
| 25 years | $19,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Pines
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Southern Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Pines
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Southern Pines: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Southern Pines, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Southern Pines’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $13,389 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,245 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,297 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,546 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,992 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $39,634 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $45,473 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $51,508 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Southern Pines, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southern Pines?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient 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 cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Southern Pines?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Southern Pines. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Southern Pines?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.