Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, SC (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $15,256
- 25-Year Savings: $29,493
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chester, the average cost of a solar system is 2.72 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chester, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,251, or $21,809 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Chester depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Chester can save about $21,000 on their power 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 Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,771 |
| 3 years | $-10,800 |
| 5 years | $-7,830 |
| 7 years | $-4,859 |
| 9 years | $-1,889 |
| 11 years | $1,082 |
| 13 years | $4,052 |
| 15 years | $7,023 |
| 17 years | $9,993 |
| 19 years | $12,964 |
| 21 years | $15,934 |
| 23 years | $18,905 |
| 25 years | $21,875 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Chester:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,720. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chester, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 major players.
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 | $21,627 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,141 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $36,807 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $44,626 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $52,596 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $60,719 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $68,995 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $77,422 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Chester, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chester is currently $94,000, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,854 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chester is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.