Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darlington, SC (2023 Update)
- Darlington Solar Installation Cost: $15,308
- 25-Year Savings: $29,259
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darlington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Darlington.
In Darlington, solar panels cost about 2.72 per watt on average. Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Darlington, the average price of going solar will be about $15,308 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Darlington 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. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Darlington homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Darlington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Darlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,525 |
| 3 years | $-9,960 |
| 5 years | $-6,395 |
| 7 years | $-2,829 |
| 9 years | $736 |
| 11 years | $4,301 |
| 13 years | $7,867 |
| 15 years | $11,432 |
| 17 years | $14,997 |
| 19 years | $18,563 |
| 21 years | $22,128 |
| 23 years | $25,693 |
| 25 years | $29,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Darlington
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar company in Darlington, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Darlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darlington
While the average cost of a solar system in Darlington is $15,308, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,720. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Darlington average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Darlington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Darlington 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Darlington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 add-on 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 | $21,373 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $28,802 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $36,383 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $44,116 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $52,002 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $60,040 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $68,231 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $76,573 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-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 (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 Darlington, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Darlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Darlington is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Darlington?
A solar panel system isn't free in Darlington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Darlington 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 offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Darlington?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.