Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, SC (Mar 2023)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $15,251
- 25-Year Savings: $29,498
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We go over average solar pricing in Chester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester typically cost around 2.72. Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Chester, the average price of going solar will be about $15,251 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Chester for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,461 |
| 3 years | $-9,881 |
| 5 years | $-6,301 |
| 7 years | $-2,721 |
| 9 years | $859 |
| 11 years | $4,439 |
| 13 years | $8,019 |
| 15 years | $11,599 |
| 17 years | $15,178 |
| 19 years | $18,758 |
| 21 years | $22,338 |
| 23 years | $25,918 |
| 25 years | $29,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
For many Chester homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking 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 Chester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Chester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $21,627 | 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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a hard 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chester?
A solar panel system isn't free in Chester, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.