Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belton, SC (2023 Update)
- Belton Solar Installation Cost: $15,296
- 25-Year Savings: $31,442
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Belton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belton it's 2.72 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $15,289 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Belton based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,140 |
| 3 years | $-14,829 |
| 5 years | $-14,517 |
| 7 years | $-14,205 |
| 9 years | $-13,894 |
| 11 years | $-13,582 |
| 13 years | $-13,271 |
| 15 years | $-12,959 |
| 17 years | $-12,647 |
| 19 years | $-12,336 |
| 21 years | $-12,024 |
| 23 years | $-11,713 |
| 25 years | $-11,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Belton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Belton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belton
For many Belton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Belton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Belton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,720 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Belton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Belton is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Belton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Belton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Belton. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belton?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Belton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.