Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, GA (2023 Update)
- Summerville Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $20,912
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Summerville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Summerville, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Summerville is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,477 for a solar installation, or $17,842 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Summerville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Summerville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Summerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,142 |
| 3 years | $-8,470 |
| 5 years | $-5,799 |
| 7 years | $-3,128 |
| 9 years | $-457 |
| 11 years | $2,214 |
| 13 years | $4,885 |
| 15 years | $7,556 |
| 17 years | $10,228 |
| 19 years | $12,899 |
| 21 years | $15,570 |
| 23 years | $18,241 |
| 25 years | $20,912 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerville
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Summerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Summerville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Summerville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Summerville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Summerville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Summerville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 a large number of companies to choose from in Summerville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Summerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.