Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bennettsville, SC (2023 Update)
- Bennettsville Solar Installation Cost: $15,441
- 25-Year Savings: $29,198
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bennettsville
We break down average solar pricing in Bennettsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bennettsville it's 2.72 per watt. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bennettsville, the average price of going solar will be about $15,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Bennettsville homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bennettsville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bennettsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,656 |
| 3 years | $-10,085 |
| 5 years | $-6,514 |
| 7 years | $-2,943 |
| 9 years | $629 |
| 11 years | $4,200 |
| 13 years | $7,771 |
| 15 years | $11,342 |
| 17 years | $14,913 |
| 19 years | $18,484 |
| 21 years | $22,055 |
| 23 years | $25,626 |
| 25 years | $29,198 |
Top Solar Installers in Bennettsville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Bennettsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bennettsville
Cost is usually 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 Bennettsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 nearly $2,720. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bennettsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bennettsville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bennettsville, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $21,143 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $28,496 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $36,000 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $43,658 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $51,467 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $59,429 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $67,543 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $75,809 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Bennettsville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bennettsville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bennettsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bennettsville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bennettsville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.