Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, SC (2024 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $18,073
- 25-Year Savings: $32,339
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
See how much it might cost to go solar in Charleston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charleston it’s 3 per watt.The average Charleston homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,073 with the federal tax credit, or $25,844 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Charleston homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Charleston for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,333 |
| 3 years | $-12,854 |
| 5 years | $-9,374 |
| 7 years | $-5,894 |
| 9 years | $-2,414 |
| 11 years | $1,065 |
| 13 years | $4,545 |
| 15 years | $8,025 |
| 17 years | $11,505 |
| 19 years | $14,984 |
| 21 years | $18,464 |
| 23 years | $21,944 |
| 25 years | $25,424 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Charleston, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
For many Charleston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Charleston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in Charleston.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Charleston provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $22,281 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $30,095 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $38,102 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $46,301 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $54,695 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $63,281 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $72,060 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $81,033 | 8.7 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Charleston, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in Charleston 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Charleston is currently $525,534, which means you can look forward to a value of about $21,547 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Charleston is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Charleston?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.