Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerfield, NC (2024 Update)
- Summerfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,128
- 25-Year Savings: $17,634
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerfield
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Summerfield.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Summerfield is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Summerfield, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,128, or $24,493 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Summerfield homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Summerfield for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Summerfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,806 |
| 3 years | $-13,162 |
| 5 years | $-10,518 |
| 7 years | $-7,873 |
| 9 years | $-5,229 |
| 11 years | $-2,585 |
| 13 years | $59 |
| 15 years | $2,704 |
| 17 years | $5,348 |
| 19 years | $7,992 |
| 21 years | $10,636 |
| 23 years | $13,281 |
| 25 years | $15,925 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerfield
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Summerfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Summerfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,514 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $14,411 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $18,505 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $22,796 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $27,284 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $31,968 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $36,848 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $41,925 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Summerfield, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Summerfield is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Summerfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.