Solar is booming in the United States, with tens of thousands of homeowners making the switch to solar energy every month. 2021 was a historic year for solar energy in the US. Following the installation of a further 23.6 gigawatts of solar PV capacity last year, the total solar PV capacity in the country has now exceeded 121 gigawatts—enough energy to power more than 23 million American homes.
Solar panel installation in North Carolina has been particularly strong, with only three states having installed a greater number of megawatts than the Tar Heel State. More than 3.3 million solar energy systems have so far been installed across the US, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by around 136 million metric tons annually.
It is forecasted that 13% of American homes will have installed a solar panel system by 2030. With low installation costs and the availability of the federal solar tax credit, now is the perfect time to make the switch to solar energy.
Read more to discover everything you need to know about solar panel installation in North Carolina. We will look at the many benefits of switching to solar energy, the process of installing solar on your property, the average cost of going green, and why LGCY Power is your premier choice. Let’s get started.
Solar Resources for North Carolina Homeowners
North Carolina Solar Statistics Through Q1 2022, According to SEIA.org
- North Carolina ranks 4th amongst US states for solar, improving from its ranking of 8th in 2021.
- 7,935 Megawatts have been installed to date.
- It’s projected that more than 1,400 additional Megawatts will be installed over the next 5 years
- Prices for solar panel projects have decreased approximately 50% in the last ten years.
- Download the fact sheet here
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The Benefits of Going Solar in North Carolina
There are many good reasons why homeowners across North Carolina and the US as a whole have been switching to solar energy. Let’s look at five key benefits of solar panel installation, both for homeowners themselves and the environment as a whole.
The Benefits of Going Solar in South Carolina
Undoubtedly one of the most attractive aspects of solar energy for residential homeowners is the financial savings they stand to make. A solar panel system can dramatically reduce a homeowner’s energy bills over several decades.
While 25 years is often used when discussing the lifespan of a solar panel system, they can continue to effectively generate electricity for 40 to 50 years with routine maintenance.
With reference to Beaufort County, the net profit refers to the savings minus the upfront cost of the solar system. It is estimated that the upfront cost of the solar system will be paid off within just 5.6 and 6.8 years.
Almost two-thirds of the electricity used in the US today comes from burning fossil fuels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions activities is from burning fossil fuels such as coal for electricity, transportation, and heat.
Compared to fossil fuels solar panels do not create greenhouse gases when generating electricity. Some of the key environmental benefits of making the switch to solar energy include:
- Reduce our collective dependence on fossil fuels
- Reduce water usage
- Reduce air pollution
- Fight climate change
Many of us today are concerned about the size of our carbon footprint. By going green with solar energy, a renewable energy, you can play your part in protecting the planet.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, it is likely that installing solar panels on your property will boost its value. The reason is that solar panels are viewed as upgrades and are an attractive feature for prospective buyers.
Research shows that homebuyers are willing to pay an additional $15,000 for a home that has installed an average-sized solar system. Even if you don’t have any immediate plans to sell your property, this is another positive to keep in mind when considering the long-term value of solar energy on your property.
Alongside solar panels, another technology that is booming in the US today is electric vehicles. However, the reality is that electric vehicles are only as clean as their power supply. If they are being charged using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels, they aren’t exactly serving their environmental purpose.
The good news is that solar panels and electric vehicles pair perfectly together. Not only is it better for the environment to charge electric vehicles using solar energy, but it is also more affordable. Charging electric vehicles using solar energy at home is cheaper than using either electricity from the grid or public charging stations.
Solar panels are a long-term investment. The good news is that they require very little maintenance over their lifespan.
To keep your solar panels clean, it is recommended that you simply wash them 2 to 4 times a year, either with a hose or a leaf blower. After a period of bad weather, such as storms, it is advisable to visually inspect your solar panels for damage.
In the event that you notice damage to your solar panels or notice an increase in your energy bills, your warranty will often cover the cost of any repairs. Solar panel degradation will occur over time, though this can be reduced with routine care and maintenance.
The Process of Going Solar in North Carolina
If you are interested in switching to solar energy, your best option in North Carolina is to partner with LGCY Power. We are proud to be recognized as the top-rated solar power company in the US. First, one of our Energy Consultants will pay you a visit and take the time to explain the process of going solar and answer any questions that you may have.
We will then coordinate with a site surveyor, who will examine your property’s roof and gauge the compatibility of your existing electrical system with our new solar plan. As soon as this step has been completed, we will be able to map the next steps in your solar panel project.
Together, we will work to determine the most appropriate solar system size. This will be dependent on a number of factors, including current energy usage and the size of your property. Rest assured that we will take care of all of the behind-the-scenes details such as permits to simplify the entire process for you.
We have partnered with the best residential solar panel companies in the industry. This guarantees that the solar installation phase will be fast and easy. You will be able to start saving as soon as your system has been fully installed.
The Costs of Solar Panel Installation in North Carolina
The cost of solar panel installation in the US, overall, has fallen by around 60% in the past decade. In order to determine the exact cost of solar panels, it is necessary to consider the below factors:
- Your property’s location
- The size of your property
- Choice of solar panel manufacturer
- Your property’s current energy usage/bills
In the introduction, we mentioned the availability of a federal solar tax credit. For the rest of 2022, this tax credit stands at 26%, representing a significant reduction in the upfront cost of installation.
Update: In August 2022, the solar tax credit was increased to 30% and extended through 2032.
We have also highlighted in the introduction how successful solar energy has been in North Carolina. Through 2021, 7,935 megawatts of solar capacity have been installed in the state (enough to power more than 1 million homes in the state). This puts North Carolina in 4th place for highest solar capacity, only behind California, Texas, and Florida (despite only being the 29th largest state by size).
Why Choose LGCY Power to Go Solar
North Carolina gets about 213 sunny days per year (the national average is 205), which makes it a highly suitable location for solar panel installation. For the best solar panel installation in North Carolina, choose solar company LGCY Power. We have worked with thousands of homeowners across the US to dramatically lower their energy bills.
We are dedicated to providing an extraordinary customer experience in North Carolina. If you are ready to get started with switching to solar energy in North Carolina, simply get in touch with our expert and friendly team today. Contact us today to schedule a consultation without any commitment or obligation. We look forward to speaking with you.
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LGCY Power is the industry leader in smart, affordable energy solutions for your home.
Solar for Any Budget
Complete a Quick Form and a Representative Will be in Touch With Pricing.
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