Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trent Woods, NC (2024 Update)

  • Trent Woods Solar Installation Cost: $16,781
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,396
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Trent Woods

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Trent Woods.

In Trent Woods, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,781 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Trent Woods see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Trent Woods for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Trent Woods

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,310
3 years$-12,368
5 years$-9,426
7 years$-6,484
9 years$-3,542
11 years$-599
13 years$2,343
15 years$5,285
17 years$8,227
19 years$11,169
21 years$14,112
23 years$17,054
25 years$19,996

Top Solar Installers in Trent Woods

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Trent Woods

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trent Woods

There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Trent Woods, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Trent Woods homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Trent Woods is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Trent Woods are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.65$15,332$12,37513.8 years
8 kW$3.58$20,049$16,89313.6 years
10 kW$3.51$24,570$21,60713.3 years
12 kW$3.44$28,894$26,51813.0 years
14 kW$3.37$33,022$31,62612.8 years
16 kW$3.30$36,953$36,93012.5 years
18 kW$3.23$40,688$42,43112.2 years
20 kW$3.16$44,226$48,12812.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A high-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: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Trent Woods, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trent Woods?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay 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.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.