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

  • Southport 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 Southport

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Southport.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southport, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $15,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Southport homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Southport for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Southport

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,245
3 years $-11,303
5 years $-8,361
7 years $-5,418
9 years $-2,476
11 years $466
13 years $3,408
15 years $6,350
17 years $9,293
19 years $12,235
21 years $15,177
23 years $18,119
25 years $21,061

Top Solar Installers in Southport

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Southport

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southport

For many Southport homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

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 bring your price up or down 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southport average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Southport, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Southport homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Southport, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 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 large number of companies to choose from in Southport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • 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 project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.

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 Southport, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southport?

The average cost of solar panels in Southport is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southport?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Southport?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

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