Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darlington, SC (2024 Update)
- Darlington Solar Installation Cost: $19,419
- 25-Year Savings: $29,256
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darlington
See how much it might cost to go solar in Darlington.
In Darlington, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Darlington is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,419 for a solar installation, or $27,769 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Darlington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Darlington can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Darlington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Darlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,861 |
| 3 years | $-14,745 |
| 5 years | $-11,629 |
| 7 years | $-8,513 |
| 9 years | $-5,397 |
| 11 years | $-2,281 |
| 13 years | $835 |
| 15 years | $3,951 |
| 17 years | $7,067 |
| 19 years | $10,183 |
| 21 years | $13,299 |
| 23 years | $16,414 |
| 25 years | $19,530 |
Top Solar Installers in Darlington
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Darlington, we've put together 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Darlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darlington
There are a number of criteria that can determine 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 that have greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,450.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Darlington, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Darlington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Darlington’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 undercut 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $18,184 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $24,632 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $31,273 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $38,107 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $45,134 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $52,355 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $59,768 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $67,375 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff 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?
Solar panels aren’t free in Darlington, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Darlington have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.