Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, GA (2023 Update)
- Summerville Solar Installation Cost: $12,480
- 25-Year Savings: $20,909
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerville
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Summerville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Summerville typically cost about 2.55. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Summerville, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,477, or $17,842 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Summerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,369 |
| 3 years | $-12,146 |
| 5 years | $-11,923 |
| 7 years | $-11,701 |
| 9 years | $-11,478 |
| 11 years | $-11,256 |
| 13 years | $-11,033 |
| 15 years | $-10,810 |
| 17 years | $-10,588 |
| 19 years | $-10,365 |
| 21 years | $-10,143 |
| 23 years | $-9,920 |
| 25 years | $-9,697 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerville
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Summerville:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Summerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerville
The cost of installing a solar system in Summerville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Summerville. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Summerville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $17,515 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,639 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,906 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,316 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $42,868 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $49,564 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $56,402 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $63,382 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Summerville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Summerville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Summerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Summerville, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.