Solar Panel Cost Guide in Abbeville, SC (2024 Update)

  • Abbeville Solar Installation Cost: $19,282
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,024
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Abbeville

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Abbeville.

The average cost of a solar system in Abbeville is 3 per watt.The average Abbeville homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,282 with the federal tax credit, or $27,573 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Abbeville homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Abbeville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,796
3 years$-14,826
5 years$-11,855
7 years$-8,885
9 years$-5,914
11 years$-2,944
13 years$27
15 years$2,997
17 years$5,968
19 years$8,938
21 years$11,909
23 years$14,880
25 years$17,850

Top Solar Installers in Abbeville

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Abbeville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Abbeville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Abbeville

For many Abbeville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Abbeville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,450 per kilowatt in Abbeville.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Abbeville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Abbeville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.59$15,070$17,41411.6 years
8 kW$3.52$19,706$23,60511.4 years
10 kW$3.45$24,150$29,98911.2 years
12 kW$3.38$28,400$36,56610.9 years
14 kW$3.31$32,458$43,33710.7 years
16 kW$3.24$36,322$50,30110.5 years
18 kW$3.17$39,992$57,45810.3 years
20 kW$3.11$43,470$64,80810.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • 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 previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Abbeville, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Abbeville?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Abbeville?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.