Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tarboro, NC (2024 Update)
- Tarboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,306
- 25-Year Savings: $23,375
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tarboro
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tarboro.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tarboro typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tarboro, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,306, or $24,748 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Tarboro can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tarboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,835 |
| 3 years | $-12,893 |
| 5 years | $-9,950 |
| 7 years | $-7,008 |
| 9 years | $-4,066 |
| 11 years | $-1,124 |
| 13 years | $1,818 |
| 15 years | $4,760 |
| 17 years | $7,703 |
| 19 years | $10,645 |
| 21 years | $13,587 |
| 23 years | $16,529 |
| 25 years | $19,471 |
Top Solar Installers in Tarboro
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Tarboro, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Tarboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tarboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Tarboro 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,510. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tarboro homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Tarboro is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $15,248 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,724 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $26,397 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $32,266 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $38,331 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $44,594 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $51,052 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $57,708 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Tarboro, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tarboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Tarboro 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tarboro?
Solar panels aren’t free in Tarboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tarboro is currently $149,449, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,127 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tarboro is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Tarboro?
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 higher level 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.