Solar Panel Cost Guide in Edgefield, SC (Mar 2023)
- Edgefield Solar Installation Cost: $15,118
- 25-Year Savings: $32,002
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Edgefield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Edgefield.
In Edgefield, solar panels cost about 2.72 per watt on average. The average Edgefield homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,118 with the federal tax credit, or $21,619 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Edgefield depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Edgefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,233 |
| 3 years | $-9,463 |
| 5 years | $-5,694 |
| 7 years | $-1,924 |
| 9 years | $1,845 |
| 11 years | $5,615 |
| 13 years | $9,385 |
| 15 years | $13,154 |
| 17 years | $16,924 |
| 19 years | $20,693 |
| 21 years | $24,463 |
| 23 years | $28,232 |
| 25 years | $32,002 |
Top Solar Installers in Edgefield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Edgefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Edgefield
For many Edgefield homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Edgefield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Edgefield, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Edgefield, 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 prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $23,713 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $31,921 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $40,282 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $48,796 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $57,462 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $66,280 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $75,250 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $84,373 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has 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: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Edgefield, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Edgefield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Edgefield?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Edgefield?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.