Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greenville, SC (2024 Update)
- Greenville Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
- 25-Year Savings: $26,799
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Greenville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Greenville typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Greenville, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,500, or $27,885 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Greenville homeowner. 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.With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Greenville find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,015 |
| 3 years | $-15,044 |
| 5 years | $-12,074 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,133 |
| 11 years | $-3,162 |
| 13 years | $-192 |
| 15 years | $2,779 |
| 17 years | $5,749 |
| 19 years | $8,720 |
| 21 years | $11,691 |
| 23 years | $14,661 |
| 25 years | $17,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Greenville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
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 Greenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greenville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Greenville is $19,500, 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Greenville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Greenville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Greenville is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,268 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $22,076 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $28,079 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $34,274 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $40,662 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $47,244 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $54,019 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $60,987 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
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 Greenville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Greenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Greenville is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Greenville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Greenville?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.