Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, IL (2025 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $16,523
- 25-Year Savings: $4,743
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Charleston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charleston, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Charleston homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,523 with the federal tax credit, or $23,628 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,672 |
| 3 years | $-13,971 |
| 5 years | $-12,270 |
| 7 years | $-10,568 |
| 9 years | $-8,867 |
| 11 years | $-7,166 |
| 13 years | $-5,465 |
| 15 years | $-3,763 |
| 17 years | $-2,062 |
| 19 years | $-361 |
| 21 years | $1,341 |
| 23 years | $3,042 |
| 25 years | $4,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Charleston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Charleston, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,306 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,495 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,895 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,506 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,327 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,359 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,602 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $35,055 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Charleston, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in Charleston is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Charleston?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Charleston, 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 can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Charleston is currently $133,976, which means you can expect a value of about $5,493 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Charleston is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.