Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, NC (2024 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $16,811
- 25-Year Savings: $19,274
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westport.
The average cost of solar panels in Westport is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Westport is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,811 for a solar installation, or $24,040 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Westport homeowner. The cost 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 $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westport find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,489 |
| 3 years | $-12,844 |
| 5 years | $-10,200 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-4,912 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $377 |
| 15 years | $3,021 |
| 17 years | $5,665 |
| 19 years | $8,310 |
| 21 years | $10,954 |
| 23 years | $13,598 |
| 25 years | $16,242 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Westport, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Westport homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Westport, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $12,238 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,711 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,380 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,245 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,308 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,566 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $42,022 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,673 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Westport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Westport, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westport?
The average cost of solar panels in Westport 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Westport?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Westport. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $918.99 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.