Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belton, SC (Mar 2023)
- Belton Solar Installation Cost: $15,289
- 25-Year Savings: $31,448
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Belton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Belton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.72 per watt. The average Belton homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,289 with the federal tax credit, or $21,863 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Belton see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Belton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,420 |
| 3 years | $-9,681 |
| 5 years | $-5,942 |
| 7 years | $-2,203 |
| 9 years | $1,536 |
| 11 years | $5,275 |
| 13 years | $9,014 |
| 15 years | $12,753 |
| 17 years | $16,492 |
| 19 years | $20,231 |
| 21 years | $23,970 |
| 23 years | $27,709 |
| 25 years | $31,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Belton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Belton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belton
The cost of installing a solar system in Belton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,720. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Belton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Belton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Belton is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $2.83 | $11,881 | $23,025 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $31,005 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $39,137 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $47,422 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $55,859 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $64,448 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $73,189 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $82,083 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Belton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belton?
The average cost of solar panels in Belton 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 certain factors such as the model 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 Belton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Belton is currently $111,100, so you can expect a value of about $4,555 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Belton is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.