Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berea, SC (2023 Update)
- Berea Solar Installation Cost: $15,365
- 25-Year Savings: $30,247
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berea
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Berea.
In Berea, solar panels cost about 2.72 per watt on average. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berea, the average price of going solar will be about $15,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Berea see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Berea for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Berea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,541 |
| 3 years | $-9,892 |
| 5 years | $-6,243 |
| 7 years | $-2,594 |
| 9 years | $1,055 |
| 11 years | $4,704 |
| 13 years | $8,353 |
| 15 years | $12,002 |
| 17 years | $15,651 |
| 19 years | $19,300 |
| 21 years | $22,949 |
| 23 years | $26,598 |
| 25 years | $30,247 |
Top Solar Installers in Berea
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
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 Berea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berea
For many Berea homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berea, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Berea provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Berea homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $22,012 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,654 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,448 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,395 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,493 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,745 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $70,148 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,704 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Berea, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berea?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Berea?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.