Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, IL (2024 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.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Charleston is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Charleston, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,523, or $23,628 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Charleston homeowners. 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.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Charleston homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Charleston, you can 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
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Charleston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Charleston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Charleston?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Charleston, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home 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, so 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 fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.