Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, SC (2023 Update)
- Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $15,289
- 25-Year Savings: $30,323
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centerville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Centerville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Centerville is 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Centerville homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,465 |
| 3 years | $-9,816 |
| 5 years | $-6,167 |
| 7 years | $-2,518 |
| 9 years | $1,131 |
| 11 years | $4,780 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $12,078 |
| 17 years | $15,727 |
| 19 years | $19,376 |
| 21 years | $23,025 |
| 23 years | $26,674 |
| 25 years | $30,323 |
Top Solar Installers in Centerville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of 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 Centerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Centerville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $22,185 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,884 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,736 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,740 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,897 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $62,206 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $70,667 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $79,281 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Centerville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Centerville is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Centerville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Centerville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.