Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, GA (2024 Update)
- Summerville Solar Installation Cost: $18,304
- 25-Year Savings: $20,909
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerville
We go over average solar pricing in Summerville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Summerville typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Summerville is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,304 for a solar installation, or $26,175 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Summerville homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Summerville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Summerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,711 |
| 3 years | $-13,524 |
| 5 years | $-10,338 |
| 7 years | $-7,151 |
| 9 years | $-3,965 |
| 11 years | $-778 |
| 13 years | $2,408 |
| 15 years | $5,595 |
| 17 years | $8,781 |
| 19 years | $11,967 |
| 21 years | $15,154 |
| 23 years | $18,340 |
| 25 years | $21,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
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
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Summerville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Summerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Summerville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Summerville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,317 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,842 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,576 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,520 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,673 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,035 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,607 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $48,388 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Summerville is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Summerville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Summerville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Summerville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.