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

  • Winterville Solar Installation Cost: $17,164
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,251
  • Payback Period: 12.7 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Winterville

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

The average cost of a solar panel system in Winterville is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,164 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Winterville, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Winterville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,693
3 years $-12,751
5 years $-9,809
7 years $-6,867
9 years $-3,924
11 years $-982
13 years $1,960
15 years $4,902
17 years $7,844
19 years $10,787
21 years $13,729
23 years $16,671
25 years $19,613

Top Solar Installers in Winterville

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Winterville:

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 Winterville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winterville

The cost of installing a solar system in Winterville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,510. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice 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.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winterville is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $13,588 13.3 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $18,511 13.0 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $23,630 12.7 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $28,946 12.5 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $34,458 12.2 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $40,167 12.0 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $46,072 11.7 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $52,174 11.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Well-established 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Winterville, NC Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Winterville 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Winterville?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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.

Follow us