Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burton, SC (2024 Update)
- Burton Solar Installation Cost: $17,687
- 25-Year Savings: $31,188
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burton
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Burton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Burton it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Burton is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,687 for a solar installation, or $25,292 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Burton find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,946 |
| 3 years | $-12,466 |
| 5 years | $-8,985 |
| 7 years | $-5,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,023 |
| 11 years | $1,458 |
| 13 years | $4,938 |
| 15 years | $8,419 |
| 17 years | $11,900 |
| 19 years | $15,381 |
| 21 years | $18,862 |
| 23 years | $22,342 |
| 25 years | $25,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Burton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Burton, we've 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 Burton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Burton is $17,687, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,450. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Burton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Burton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 can only 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Burton is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $21,905 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $29,593 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $37,475 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $45,549 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $53,817 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $62,278 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $70,932 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $79,779 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Burton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Burton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.