Solar panel cost in Wilmington, NC (2026)
A typical Wilmington home needs about a 9.6 kW system (~24 panels), costing roughly $26,880 upfront. The 30% federal credit ended for purchases on Dec 31, 2025 (a lease/PPA can still pass it through). At 4.62 peak sun hours and North Carolina's 13.6¢/kWh rate, it pays back in about 17.6 years and saves an estimated $24,927 over 25 years.
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| Annual electricity use | 12,971 kWh |
| Annual solar production | 12,951 kWh |
| Gross system cost | $26,880 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 2025 |
| State / local incentives | — |
| 30% via lease/PPA instead | ~$8,064 value |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.6 tons (~76 trees) |
Estimates only — not a quote or financial advice. See our methodology.
What makes Wilmington different
Wilmington (population ~115,933) gets 4.62 peak sun hours per day — that's 8% less sunny than the North Carolina average of 5. Slightly less local sunlight means panels produce a touch less than the state average, so sizing and orientation matter. Electricity rates, net metering, and incentives are set at the North Carolina level: residents pay about 13.6¢/kWh, and net metering with time-of-use bridge rates.
| City peak sun hours | 4.62 hrs/day |
| Recommended system size | 9.6 kW (~24 panels) |
| Installed price per watt | $3/W |
| Gross system cost | $26,880 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| State / local incentives | — |
| Net cash cost | $26,880 |
| 30% credit via lease/PPA | ~$8,064 value |
| Annual energy produced | 12,951 kWh |
| Estimated year-1 savings | $1,524 |
| Payback period | 17.6 years |
| 25-year net savings | $24,927 |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.6 tons (~76 trees) |
Compare with the North Carolina state average (8.9 kW, $24,920 net, 16.3-yr payback). Modeled estimates, June 2026 — not a quote. See methodology.
Compare real solar quotes in Wilmington, NC
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.