Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington, NC (2025 Update)
- Wilmington Solar Installation Cost: $15,655
- 25-Year Savings: $20,946
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Wilmington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wilmington it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $15,655 before the 0 federal solar tax credit 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 based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,184 |
| 3 years | $-11,242 |
| 5 years | $-8,300 |
| 7 years | $-5,358 |
| 9 years | $-2,416 |
| 11 years | $527 |
| 13 years | $3,469 |
| 15 years | $6,411 |
| 17 years | $9,353 |
| 19 years | $12,295 |
| 21 years | $15,238 |
| 23 years | $18,180 |
| 25 years | $21,122 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilmington
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Wilmington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilmington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wilmington to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wilmington, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $15,060 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $20,473 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $26,083 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $31,889 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $37,892 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $44,091 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $50,487 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $57,080 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Wilmington, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
EcoWatch's Wilmington, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilmington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wilmington?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wilmington, 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 can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.