Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duncan, SC (2023 Update)
- Duncan Solar Installation Cost: $15,382
- 25-Year Savings: $29,405
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Duncan
We go over average solar pricing in Duncan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Duncan, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.72 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Duncan, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,384, or $21,999 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Duncan for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Duncan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,897 |
| 3 years | $-10,927 |
| 5 years | $-7,956 |
| 7 years | $-4,986 |
| 9 years | $-2,015 |
| 11 years | $956 |
| 13 years | $3,926 |
| 15 years | $6,897 |
| 17 years | $9,867 |
| 19 years | $12,838 |
| 21 years | $15,808 |
| 23 years | $18,779 |
| 25 years | $21,749 |
Top Solar Installers in Duncan
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Duncan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Duncan
The cost of installing a solar system in Duncan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Duncan average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Duncan offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Duncan, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Duncan have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $21,381 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $28,812 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $36,396 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $44,132 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $52,021 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $60,061 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $68,255 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $76,600 | 7.7 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Duncan, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Duncan?
The average cost of solar panels in Duncan 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Duncan?
A solar panel system isn't free in Duncan, 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 can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Duncan, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.