Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central, SC (2023 Update)
- Central Solar Installation Cost: $15,418
- 25-Year Savings: $30,194
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Central.
The average cost of solar panels in Central is 2.72 per watt. The average Central homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,422 with the federal tax credit, or $22,053 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Central homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Central
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,266 |
| 3 years | $-14,962 |
| 5 years | $-14,658 |
| 7 years | $-14,354 |
| 9 years | $-14,050 |
| 11 years | $-13,745 |
| 13 years | $-13,441 |
| 15 years | $-13,137 |
| 17 years | $-12,833 |
| 19 years | $-12,529 |
| 21 years | $-12,225 |
| 23 years | $-11,921 |
| 25 years | $-11,617 |
Top Solar Installers in Central
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Central
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central
For many Central homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Central, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,720. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Central, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Central to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Central's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $2.83 | $11,881 | $21,915 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,525 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,287 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,201 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,268 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,487 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $69,858 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,382 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Central, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Central?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Central?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.