Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anderson, SC (Mar 2023)
- Anderson Solar Installation Cost: $15,289
- 25-Year Savings: $30,018
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anderson
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Anderson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Anderson, the average cost of solar panels is 2.72 per watt. Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Anderson, the average price of going solar will be about $15,289 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Anderson can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Anderson for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Anderson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,477 |
| 3 years | $-9,852 |
| 5 years | $-6,228 |
| 7 years | $-2,603 |
| 9 years | $1,021 |
| 11 years | $4,646 |
| 13 years | $8,271 |
| 15 years | $11,895 |
| 17 years | $15,520 |
| 19 years | $19,144 |
| 21 years | $22,769 |
| 23 years | $26,394 |
| 25 years | $30,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Anderson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Anderson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anderson
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Anderson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,720. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Anderson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your 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 clean energy solutions in Anderson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.83 | $11,881 | $21,957 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,581 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,357 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,285 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,366 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,599 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $69,984 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,522 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Anderson, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Anderson?
The average cost of solar panels in Anderson is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Anderson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Anderson?
Solar panels can be a great 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 typically 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.