Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zebulon, NC (2024 Update)
- Zebulon Solar Installation Cost: $17,166
- 25-Year Savings: $20,692
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zebulon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Zebulon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zebulon it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Zebulon, the average price of going solar will be about $17,166 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Zebulon homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zebulon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,695 |
| 3 years | $-12,752 |
| 5 years | $-9,810 |
| 7 years | $-6,868 |
| 9 years | $-3,926 |
| 11 years | $-984 |
| 13 years | $1,959 |
| 15 years | $4,901 |
| 17 years | $7,843 |
| 19 years | $10,785 |
| 21 years | $13,727 |
| 23 years | $16,670 |
| 25 years | $19,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Zebulon
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Zebulon, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Zebulon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zebulon
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Zebulon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Zebulon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Zebulon have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,106 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,868 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,827 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,982 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,333 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,882 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,626 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $50,568 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Zebulon, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zebulon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Zebulon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.