Solar Panel Cost Guide in Georgetown, SC (2024 Update)
- Georgetown Solar Installation Cost: $18,346
- 25-Year Savings: $29,088
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Georgetown
We break down average solar pricing in Georgetown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Georgetown, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Georgetown homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,346 with the federal tax credit, or $26,235 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Georgetown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity 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 Georgetown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,617 |
| 3 years | $-13,159 |
| 5 years | $-9,700 |
| 7 years | $-6,242 |
| 9 years | $-2,783 |
| 11 years | $675 |
| 13 years | $4,134 |
| 15 years | $7,592 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $14,509 |
| 21 years | $17,968 |
| 23 years | $21,426 |
| 25 years | $24,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Georgetown
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Georgetown, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Georgetown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Georgetown
The cost of installing a solar system in Georgetown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Georgetown, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Georgetown, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Georgetown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Georgetown, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $19,328 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,157 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,179 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $40,394 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $47,803 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $55,405 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $63,200 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $71,188 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Georgetown, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Georgetown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Georgetown?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.