Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. James, NC (2024 Update)

  • St. James 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 St. James

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. James.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. James it’s 4 per watt.The average St. James 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.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in St. James can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in St. James

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 St. James

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're looking for a solar installer in St. James, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 St. James

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. James

There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,510 per kilowatt in St. James.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St. James, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. James, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. James are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $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

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.

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 St. James, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. James?

This is a tough 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in St. James?

You can’t get solar panels for free in St. James. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,043.98 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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