Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trinity, NC (2024 Update)
- Trinity Solar Installation Cost: $16,982
- 25-Year Savings: $19,375
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trinity
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Trinity.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Trinity it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Trinity is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,982 for a solar installation, or $24,284 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Trinity homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Trinity find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trinity
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,016 |
| 5 years | $-10,371 |
| 7 years | $-7,727 |
| 9 years | $-5,083 |
| 11 years | $-2,439 |
| 13 years | $206 |
| 15 years | $2,850 |
| 17 years | $5,494 |
| 19 years | $8,138 |
| 21 years | $10,783 |
| 23 years | $13,427 |
| 25 years | $16,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Trinity
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Trinity
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trinity
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Trinity is $16,982, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Trinity offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Trinity homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,155 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,600 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,241 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,079 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,114 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,345 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $41,772 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,397 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Trinity, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trinity?
The average cost of solar panels in Trinity 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Trinity?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Trinity, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Trinity?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Trinity?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.