Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blythewood, SC (2024 Update)
- Blythewood Solar Installation Cost: $19,121
- 25-Year Savings: $31,841
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blythewood
We go over average solar pricing in Blythewood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Blythewood, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,121 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Blythewood depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Blythewood for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Blythewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,381 |
| 3 years | $-13,900 |
| 5 years | $-10,419 |
| 7 years | $-6,938 |
| 9 years | $-3,457 |
| 11 years | $23 |
| 13 years | $3,504 |
| 15 years | $6,985 |
| 17 years | $10,466 |
| 19 years | $13,947 |
| 21 years | $17,427 |
| 23 years | $20,908 |
| 25 years | $24,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Blythewood
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Blythewood, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Blythewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blythewood
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Blythewood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,450 per kilowatt in Blythewood.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Blythewood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Blythewood to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Blythewood is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,483 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,698 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,105 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,705 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,499 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,486 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,666 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $75,040 | 9.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types 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 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Blythewood, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blythewood?
The average cost of solar panels in Blythewood is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Blythewood have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Blythewood?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.