Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wendell, NC (2024 Update)

  • Wendell Solar Installation Cost: $17,183
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,679
  • Payback Period: 13.0 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 Wendell

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wendell.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wendell, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,183 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wendell homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wendell find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wendell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,712
3 years $-12,770
5 years $-9,828
7 years $-6,885
9 years $-3,943
11 years $-1,001
13 years $1,941
15 years $4,883
17 years $7,825
19 years $10,768
21 years $13,710
23 years $16,652
25 years $19,594

Top Solar Installers in Wendell

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Wendell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wendell

The cost of installing a solar system in Wendell can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,510 per kilowatt in Wendell.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wendell to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wendell 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Wendell’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $13,077 13.5 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $17,830 13.2 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $22,779 13.0 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $27,924 12.7 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $33,266 12.5 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $38,804 12.2 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $44,539 11.9 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $50,471 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Wendell, NC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wendell?

The average cost of solar panels in Wendell 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 uses 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 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.

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