Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anderson, SC (2023 Update)
- Anderson Solar Installation Cost: $15,296
- 25-Year Savings: $30,011
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anderson
We go over average solar pricing in Anderson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Anderson it's 2.72 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Anderson, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,289, or $21,863 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Anderson can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Anderson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Anderson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,145 |
| 3 years | $-14,843 |
| 5 years | $-14,541 |
| 7 years | $-14,239 |
| 9 years | $-13,937 |
| 11 years | $-13,635 |
| 13 years | $-13,333 |
| 15 years | $-13,031 |
| 17 years | $-12,729 |
| 19 years | $-12,427 |
| 21 years | $-12,124 |
| 23 years | $-11,822 |
| 25 years | $-11,520 |
Top Solar Installers in Anderson
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Anderson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,720. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Anderson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Anderson, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Anderson know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Anderson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Anderson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.