Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central, SC (2024 Update)
- Central Solar Installation Cost: $19,556
- 25-Year Savings: $30,194
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central
See how much it might cost to go solar in Central.
In Central, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Central is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,556 for a solar installation, or $27,965 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Central depending on several factors, such as the model 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 quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Central for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Central
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,071 |
| 3 years | $-15,100 |
| 5 years | $-12,129 |
| 7 years | $-9,159 |
| 9 years | $-6,188 |
| 11 years | $-3,218 |
| 13 years | $-247 |
| 15 years | $2,723 |
| 17 years | $5,694 |
| 19 years | $8,664 |
| 21 years | $11,635 |
| 23 years | $14,605 |
| 25 years | $17,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Central
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Central
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central
The cost of installing a solar system in Central can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Central, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Central homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Central is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk 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 companies.
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 | $18,727 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,355 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,177 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,192 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,400 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $53,802 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,396 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,184 | 9.6 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Central, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Central?
The average cost of solar panels in Central is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Central?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Central 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 utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.