In this week’s Solar News Roundup, Microsoft announces another investment in solar energy, and Vivint Solar begins a new partnership with Home Depot.
Solar news: March 8th, 2019
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Tag Archives: North Carolina
Cheap solar panels: how to get the lowest price per watt on the market
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You may be looking for cheap solar panels available in order to really cash in on solar power. And sure, when you install solar on your home or business, you can save thousands on your electricity bills. But going solar isn’t automatically cheap: buying solar panels to install on your roof typically costs thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder that the cost of solar is among the most important considerations for today’s homeowners. If you’re thinking about going solar and worried about prices, you’re probably wondering: what are the best value solar panels and will solar get even cheaper?
Duke Energy solar rebates: a new solar incentive for North Carolina
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(Update: Duke’s funds for solar rebates in North Carolina have already run out for 2019. Solar customers can join a waitlist for the rebate. Duke will be accepting new applications for the rebate in January 2020).
North Carolina has long been one of the top states for solar thanks to its utility-scale solar farms, but over the past few years, homeowners in the Tar Heel State haven’t seen many financial incentives to go solar. A newly-announced solar rebate from Duke Energy will help property owners in North Carolina save thousands on their up-front solar installation costs.
How much do solar panels cost in Charlotte, North Carolina?
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The U.S has witnessed a remarkable growth in solar over the past decade and North Carolina’s solar industry is a big part of the reason why. Thanks to the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, renewable energy resources are an important part of the Tar Heel State’s electric grid, and in Charlotte, North Carolina the price of solar panels is lower than the national average. In this article we’ll explain why Charlotte can be a top spot for solar power and what Charlotte homeowners can do to maximize their solar savings.
How much do solar panels cost in Charlotte?
As of mid-2017, the average price for solar panels in Charlotte was $3.24 per watt. Thus, since the typical system size in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts (5,000 watts), the average cost of a solar panel system in Charlotte is $16,200 before any rebates or incentives.
While this price is competitive for the overall state of North Carolina, it is also very competitive in terms of the national average. Prices for solar panel systems have dropped by over 55% in North Carolina over the past 5 years and homeowners are taking notice. Check out this comparison table of Charlotte and U.S. average pricing for various system sizes:
Solar pricing table: Charlotte compared to U.S. average costs
| System size | National average cost (after ITC) | charlotte average cost (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $7,119 | $6,804 |
| 6 kW | $14,238 | $13,608 |
| 10 kW | $23,730 | $22,680 |
| 12 kW | $28,476 | $27,216 |
The above table, which uses pricing data from solar quotes received by homeowners on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace over the last 12 months, offers a comparison of prices nationwide and in Charlotte for solar energy systems. As the data illustrates, typical solar prices in Charlotte, North Carolina are significantly lower than the rest of the country.
When looking at the solar industry as a whole, it’s well known that North Carolina is a pragmatic place to install solar. But when you zero in on Charlotte’s market and compare it to the rest of the country, the advantage for homeowners is even clearer. The good news for most North Carolina homeowners is that these low costs do not even incorporate the added benefit of net metering, offered throughout the Tar Heel State.
The cost of solar is dropping across the state of North Carolina. See prices in Charlotte and get free solar quotes on the EnergySage Marketplace.
North Carolina’s net metering and other incentives
Like most states, North Carolina has a net metering program to account for extra electricity production. When your solar panel system produces more than you need, the excess gets sent back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. When your system isn’t producing enough electricity, you can draw it from your utility just as you did before you went solar. As a result, the excess electricity your home produces covers the times when you don’t produce enough.
North Carolina also offers a state property tax exemption for all homeowners who are using their systems for residential purposes (for no business or profitable intention). The value that solar adds to a property isn’t included in property tax assessments.
Legislation enacted in NC also allows for cities and counties to offer low-interest loans for solar panels and other energy upgrades. Thanks to this legislation, solar loan terms in North Carolina can be no longer than 20 years, have an interest rate cap set at 8 percent, and can easily be renewed.
How Charlotte homeowners can save big with solar
Though Charlotte residents are already seeing low solar prices with continued cost declines expected over the next five years, low prices aren’t necessarily the biggest selling point. When it comes to going solar, the long term ROI and savings from avoided bill payments is often the biggest deciding factor – and the figures can be staggering even in states where utility rates are reasonable.
In 2017, solar quotes received by Charlotte homeowners yielded 20-year savings estimates of over $41,248 on average. Checkout the breakdown of average net savings by solar system size:
Charlotte net 20-year savings from solar
| System size | Average solar savings over 20 years |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | $16,098 |
| 6 kW | $33,259 |
| 10 kW | $47,082 |
| 12 kW | $63,380 |
Three tips for solar shoppers in Charlotte, NC
Homeowners who get multiple quotes save 10% or more
As with any big ticket purchase, shopping for a solar panel installation takes a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of the companies in your area. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommended that consumers compare as many solar options as possible to avoid paying inflated prices offered by the large installers in the solar industry.
To find the smaller contractors that typically offer lower prices, you’ll need to use an installer network like EnergySage. You can receive free quotes from vetted installers local to you when you register your property on our Solar Marketplace – homeowners who get 3 or more quotes can save thousands on their solar panel installation.
The biggest installers typically don’t offer the best price
The bigger isn’t always better mantra is one of the main reasons we strongly encourage homeowners to consider all of their solar options, not just the brands large enough to pay for the most advertising. A recent report by the U.S. government found that large installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar companies. If you have offers from some of the big installers in solar, make sure you compare those bids with quotes from local installers to ensure you don’t overpay for solar.
Comparing all your equipment options is just as important
National-scale installers don’t just offer higher prices – they also tend to have fewer solar equipment options, which can have a significant impact on your system’s electricity production. By collecting a diverse array of solar bids, you can compare costs and savings based on the different equipment packages available to you.
There are multiple variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels on the market. While certain panels will have higher efficiency ratings than others, investing in top-of-the-line solar equipment doesn’t always result in higher savings. The only way to find the “sweet spot” for your property is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers.
For any homeowner in the early stage of shopping for solar that would just like a ballpark estimate for an installation, try our Solar Calculator that offers up front cost and long term savings estimates based on your location and roof type. For those looking to get quotes from local contractors today, check out our quote comparison platform.
Looking for quality solar installers in your area? See our updated ranking for the best solar companies in Charlotte
How much do solar panels cost in Cary, North Carolina?
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The U.S. has witnessed remarkable solar growth over the past decade, and North Carolina’s solar industry is growing quickly. Thanks to the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, renewable energy resources are an important part of the Tar Heel State’s electric grid. In Cary, North Carolina the price of solar panels is cheaper than both the national average and the state. In this article we’ll explain why Cary can be a top spot for solar power and what Cary homeowners can do to maximize their solar savings.
How much do solar panels cost in Cary?
As of mid-2017, the average price for solar panels in Cary was $3.18 per watt. Thus, since the typical system size in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts (5,000 watts), the average cost of a solar panel system in Cary is $15,900 before any rebates or incentives.
While this price is low for the overall state of North Carolina, it is also very competitive in terms of the national average. Prices for solar panel systems have dropped by over 55% in North Carolina over the past 5 years and homeowners are taking notice. Check out this comparison table of Cary, the state, and U.S. average pricing for various system sizes:
Solar pricing table: Cary compared to North Carolina and U.S. average costs
| System size | National average cost (after ITC) | State average cost (after ITC) | Cary average cost (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $7,056 | $6,741 | $6,678 |
| 6 kW | $14,112 | $13,482 | $13,356 |
| 10 kW | $23,520 | $22,470 | $22,260 |
| 12 kW | $28,224 | $26,964 | $26,712 |
The above table, which uses pricing data from solar quotes received by homeowners on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace over the last 12 months, offers a comparison of prices nationwide, in North Carolina, and Cary for solar energy systems. As the data illustrates, typical solar prices in Cary, North Carolina are significantly lower than the rest of the country.
When looking at the solar industry as a whole, it’s well known that North Carolina is one of the most affordable and pragmatic places to install solar. But when you zero in on Cary’s market and compare it to the rest of the country, the advantage for homeowners is even clearer. The good news for most North Carolina homeowners is that these low costs do not even incorporate the added benefit of net metering, offered throughout the Tar Heel State.
The cost of solar is dropping across the state of North Carolina. See prices in your area and get free solar quotes on the EnergySage Marketplace.
North Carolina net metering and other incentives
Like most states, North Carolina has a net metering program to account for extra electricity production. When your solar panel system produces more than you need, the excess gets sent back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. When your system isn’t producing enough electricity, you can draw it from your utility just as you did before you went solar. As a result, the excess electricity your home produces covers the times when you don’t produce enough.
North Carolina also offers a state property tax exemption for all homeowners who are using their systems for residential purposes (for no business or profitable intention). The value that solar adds to a property isn’t included in property tax assessments, so your taxes won’t go up when you install solar.
Legislation enacted in NC allows for cities and counties to offer low-interest loans for solar panels and other energy upgrades. Thanks to this legislation, solar loan terms in North Carolina can be no longer than 20 years, have an interest rate cap set at 8 percent, and can easily be renewed.
How Cary homeowners can save big with solar
Though Cary residents will see some of the cheapest solar prices in the country with continued cost declines expected over the next five years, low prices aren’t necessarily the biggest selling point. When it comes to going solar, the long term ROI and savings from avoided bill payments is often the biggest deciding factor – and the figures can be staggering even in states where utility rates are reasonable.
In 2017, solar quotes received by Cary homeowners yielded 20-year savings estimates of over $37,806 on average. Checkout the breakdown of average net savings by solar system size:
Cary net 20-year savings from solar
| System size | Average solar savings over 20 years |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | $18,374 |
| 6 kW | $32,282 |
| 10 kW | $51,137 |
Three tips for solar shoppers in Cary, NC
Homeowners who get multiple quotes save 10% or more
As with any big ticket purchase, shopping for a solar panel installation takes a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of the companies in your area. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommended that consumers compare as many solar options as possible to avoid paying inflated prices offered by the large installers in the solar industry.
To find the smaller contractors that typically offer lower prices, you’ll need to use an installer network like EnergySage. You can receive free quotes from vetted installers local to you when you register your property on our Solar Marketplace – homeowners who get 3 or more quotes can save thousands on their solar panel installation.
The biggest installers typically don’t offer the best price
The bigger isn’t always better mantra is one of the main reasons we strongly encourage homeowners to consider all of their solar options, not just the brands large enough to pay for the most advertising. A recent report by the U.S. government found that large installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar companies. If you have offers from some of the big installers in solar, make sure you compare those bids with quotes from local installers to ensure you don’t overpay for solar.
Comparing all your equipment options is just as important
National-scale installers don’t just offer higher prices – they also tend to have fewer solar equipment options, which can have a significant impact on your system’s electricity production. By collecting a diverse array of solar bids, you can compare costs and savings based on the different equipment packages available to you.
There are multiple variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels on the market. While certain panels will have higher efficiency ratings than others, investing in top-of-the-line solar equipment doesn’t always result in higher savings. The only way to find the “sweet spot” for your property is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers.
For any homeowner in the early stage of shopping for solar that would just like a ballpark estimate for an installation, try our Solar Calculator that offers up front cost and long term savings estimates based on your location and roof type. For those looking to get quotes from local Cary contractors today, check out our quote comparison platform.
Looking for quality solar installers in your area? See our updated ranking for the best solar companies in Cary
How much do solar panels cost in Durham, North Carolina?
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The U.S has witnessed a remarkable growth in solar over the past decade and North Carolina’s solar industry is a big part of the reason why. Thanks to the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, renewable energy resources are an important part of the Tar Heel State’s electric grid, and in Durham, North Carolina the price of solar panels is lower than the national average. In this article we’ll explain why Durham can be a top spot for solar power and what Durham homeowners can do to maximize their solar savings.
How much do solar panels cost in Durham?
As of mid-2017, the average price for solar panels in Durham was $3.31 per watt. Thus, since the typical system size in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts (5,000 watts), the average cost of a solar panel system in Durham is $16,550 before any rebates or incentives.
While this price is competitive for the overall state of North Carolina, it is also very competitive in terms of the national average. Prices for solar panel systems have dropped by over 64% in North Carolina over the past 5 years and homeowners are taking notice. Check out this comparison table of Durham and U.S. average pricing for various system sizes:
Solar pricing table: Durham compared to U.S. average costs
| System size | National average cost (after ITC) | durham average cost (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $7,119 | $6,951 |
| 6 kW | $14,238 | $13,902 |
| 10 kW | $23,730 | $23,170 |
| 12 kW | $28,476 | $27,804 |
The above table, which uses pricing data from solar quotes received by homeowners on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace over the last 12 months, offers a comparison of prices nationwide and in Durham for solar energy systems. As the data illustrates, typical solar prices in Durham, North Carolina are significantly lower than the rest of the country.
When looking at the solar industry as a whole, it’s well known that North Carolina is a pragmatic places to install solar. But when you zero in on Durham’s market and compare it to the rest of the country, the advantage for homeowners is even clearer. The good news for most North Carolina homeowners is that these low costs do not even incorporate the added benefit of net metering, offered throughout the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina’s net metering and other incentives
Like most states, North Carolina has a net metering program to account for extra electricity production. When your solar panel system produces more than you need, the excess gets sent back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. When your system isn’t producing enough electricity, you can draw it from your utility just as you did before you went solar. As a result, the excess electricity your home produces covers the times when you don’t produce enough.
North Carolina also offers a state property tax exemption for all homeowners who are using their systems for residential purposes (for no business or profitable intention). The value that solar adds to a property isn’t included in property tax assessments.
Legislation enacted in NC also allows for cities and counties to offer low-interest loans for solar panels and other energy upgrades. Thanks to this legislation, solar loan terms in North Carolina can be no longer than 20 years, have an interest rate cap set at 8 percent, and can easily be renewed.
How Durham homeowners can save big with solar
Though Durham residents are already seeing low solar prices with continued cost declines expected over the next five years, low prices aren’t necessarily the biggest selling point. When it comes to going solar, the long term ROI and savings from avoided bill payments is often the biggest deciding factor – and the figures can be staggering even in states where utility rates are reasonable.
In 2017, solar quotes received by Durham homeowners yielded 20-year savings estimates of over $54,587 on average. Checkout the breakdown of average net savings by solar system size:
Durham net 20-year savings from solar
| System size | Average solar savings over 20 years |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | $20,538 |
| 6 kW | $33,179 |
| 10 kW | $46,993 |
| 12 kW | $57,561 |
Three tips for solar shoppers in Durham
Homeowners who get multiple quotes save 10% or more
As with any big ticket purchase, shopping for a solar panel installation takes a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of the companies in your area. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommended that consumers compare as many solar options as possible to avoid paying inflated prices offered by the large installers in the solar industry.
To find the smaller contractors that typically offer lower prices, you’ll need to use an installer network like EnergySage. You can receive free quotes from vetted installers local to you when you register your property on our Solar Marketplace – homeowners who get 3 or more quotes can save thousands on their solar panel installation.
The biggest installers typically don’t offer the best price
The bigger isn’t always better mantra is one of the main reasons we strongly encourage homeowners to consider all of their solar options, not just the brands large enough to pay for the most advertising. A recent report by the U.S. government found that large installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar companies. If you have offers from some of the big installers in solar, make sure you compare those bids with quotes from local installers to ensure you don’t overpay for solar.
Comparing all your equipment options is just as important
National-scale installers don’t just offer higher prices – they also tend to have fewer solar equipment options, which can have a significant impact on your system’s electricity production. By collecting a diverse array of solar bids, you can compare costs and savings based on the different equipment packages available to you.
There are multiple variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels on the market. While certain panels will have higher efficiency ratings than others, investing in top-of-the-line solar equipment doesn’t always result in higher savings. The only way to find the “sweet spot” for your property is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers.
For any Durham homeowner in the early stage of shopping for solar that would just like a ballpark estimate for an installation, try our Solar Calculator that offers up front cost and long term savings estimates based on your location and roof type. For those looking to get quotes from local contractors today, check out our quote comparison platform.
How much do solar panels cost in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The U.S. has witnessed remarkable solar growth over the past decade, and North Carolina’s solar industry is growing quickly. Thanks to the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, renewable energy resources are an important part of the Tar Heel State’s electric grid. In Raleigh, North Carolina the price of solar panels is cheaper than both the national average and the state. In this article we’ll explain why Raleigh can be a top spot for solar power and what Raleigh homeowners can do to maximize their solar savings.
How much do solar panels cost in Raleigh?
As of mid-2017, the average price for solar panels in Raleigh was $3.12 per watt. Thus, since the typical system size in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts (5,000 watts), the average cost of a solar panel system in Raleigh is $15,600 before any rebates or incentives.
While this price is low for the overall state of North Carolina, it is also very competitive in terms of the national average. Prices for solar panel systems have dropped by over 64% in North Carolina over the past 5 years and homeowners are taking notice. Check out this comparison table of Raleigh, the state, and U.S. average pricing for various system sizes:
Solar pricing table: Raleigh compared to North Carolina and U.S. average costs
| System size | National average cost (after ITC) | NC average cost (after ITC) | Raleigh average cost (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $7,119 | $6,783 | $6,552 |
| 6 kW | $14,238 | $13,566 | $13,104 |
| 10 kW | $23,730 | $22,610 | $21,840 |
| 12 kW | $28,476 | $27,132 | $26,208 |
The above table, which uses pricing data from solar quotes received by homeowners on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace over the last 12 months, offers a comparison of prices nationwide, statewide, and in Raleigh for solar energy systems. As the data illustrates, typical solar prices in Raleigh, North Carolina are significantly lower than the rest of the country and the state.
When looking at the solar industry as a whole, it’s well known that North Carolina is one of the most affordable and pragmatic places to install solar. But when you zero in on Raleigh’s market and compare it to the rest of the country, the advantage for homeowners is even clearer. The good news for most North Carolina homeowners is that these low costs do not even incorporate the added benefit of net metering, offered throughout the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina’s net metering and other incentives
Like most states, North Carolina has a net metering program to account for extra electricity production. When your solar panel system produces more than you need, the excess gets sent back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. When your system isn’t producing enough electricity, you can draw it from your utility just as you did before you went solar. As a result, the excess electricity your home produces covers the times when you don’t produce enough.
North Carolina also offers a state property tax exemption for all homeowners who are using their systems for residential purposes (for no business or profitable intention). The value that solar adds to a property isn’t included in property tax assessments.
Legislation enacted in NC allows for cities and counties to offer low-interest loans for solar panels and other energy upgrades. Thanks to this legislation, solar loan terms in North Carolina can be no longer than 20 years, have an interest rate cap set at 8 percent, and can easily be renewed.
How Raleigh homeowners can save big with solar
Though Raleigh residents will see some of the cheapest solar prices in the country with continued cost declines expected over the next five years, low prices aren’t necessarily the biggest selling point. When it comes to going solar, the long term ROI and savings from avoided bill payments is often the biggest deciding factor – and the figures can be staggering even in states where utility rates are reasonable.
In 2017, solar quotes received by Raleigh homeowners yielded 20-year savings estimates of over $40,013 on average. Checkout the breakdown of average net savings by solar system size:
Raleigh net 20-year savings from solar
| System size | Average solar savings over 20 years |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | $17,335 |
| 6 kW | $31,407 |
| 10 kW | $52,364 |
| 12 kW | $68,366 |
Three tips for solar shoppers in Raleigh
Homeowners who get multiple quotes save 10% or more
As with any big ticket purchase, shopping for a solar panel installation takes a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of the companies in your area. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommended that consumers compare as many solar options as possible to avoid paying inflated prices offered by the large installers in the solar industry.
To find the smaller contractors that typically offer lower prices, you’ll need to use an installer network like EnergySage. You can receive free quotes from vetted installers local to you when you register your property on our Solar Marketplace – homeowners who get 3 or more quotes can save thousands on their solar panel installation.
The biggest installers typically don’t offer the best price
The bigger isn’t always better mantra is one of the main reasons we strongly encourage homeowners to consider all of their solar options, not just the brands large enough to pay for the most advertising. A recent report by the U.S. government found that large installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar companies. If you have offers from some of the big installers in solar, make sure you compare those bids with quotes from local installers to ensure you don’t overpay for solar.
Comparing all your equipment options is just as important
National-scale installers don’t just offer higher prices – they also tend to have fewer solar equipment options, which can have a significant impact on your system’s electricity production. By collecting a diverse array of solar bids, you can compare costs and savings based on the different equipment packages available to you.
There are multiple variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels on the market. While certain panels will have higher efficiency ratings than others, investing in top-of-the-line solar equipment doesn’t always result in higher savings. The only way to find the “sweet spot” for your property is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers.
For any Raleigh homeowner in the early stage of shopping for solar that would just like a ballpark estimate for an installation, try our Solar Calculator that offers up front cost and long term savings estimates based on your location and roof type. For those looking to get quotes from local contractors today, check out our quote comparison platform.
What are the fastest growing states for solar power in 2017?
Reading Time: 6 minutes
In an industry that has continued to grow at an impressive rate nationwide (4.4x over the past 5 years), details on solar hot spots in the U.S. can be elusive. Though there are a few states that are known for having plentiful sunlight (California, Florida, Arizona), there are many states leading the U.S. solar revolution that are flying under the radar. In this article, we’ll break down the top five solar states to date by cumulative solar capacity as well as the states with the fastest growing solar markets in 2017.
Solar news: Nevada and North Carolina move forward with solar-friendly legislation, IKEA announces massive solar array project
Reading Time: 2 minutes
As President Trump’s Paris decision looms large, state legislative measures tackling solar accessibility are more important than ever. Nevada’s net metering bill, North Carolina’s solar reform bill, and a large solar array plan from IKEA are the headlines from this week’s Solar News Report. Continue reading
New report says solar panels increase home value
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Installing solar panels can significantly increase your property’s value, according to a new study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL). The report, titled “Selling into the sun: Price premium analysis of a multi-state dataset of solar homes“, builds on previous research which concluded that homes with solar panels in California sold for more than those without.
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