Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, MO (2024 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $16,710
- 25-Year Savings: $17,844
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
We go over average solar pricing in Charleston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charleston, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Charleston, the average price of going solar will be about $16,710 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high initial cost, the average Charleston homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Charleston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charleston
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,419 |
3 years | $-12,838 |
5 years | $-10,257 |
7 years | $-7,676 |
9 years | $-5,095 |
11 years | $-2,513 |
13 years | $68 |
15 years | $2,649 |
17 years | $5,230 |
19 years | $7,811 |
21 years | $10,392 |
23 years | $12,973 |
25 years | $15,555 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Charleston, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,370. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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 too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to 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 loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Charleston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,272 | 14.2 years |
8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,407 | 13.9 years |
10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,731 | 13.6 years |
12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,243 | 13.3 years |
14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $28,944 | 13.1 years |
16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,834 | 12.8 years |
18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $38,912 | 12.5 years |
20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $44,179 | 12.3 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. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Charleston, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charleston?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Charleston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.