Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartsville, SC (2024 Update)
- Hartsville Solar Installation Cost: $19,419
- 25-Year Savings: $28,293
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartsville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Hartsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hartsville typically cost about 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Hartsville, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,419, or $27,769 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Hartsville homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Hartsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hartsville
| 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 Hartsville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hartsville, we've compiled 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 Hartsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartsville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Hartsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,450. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hartsville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hartsville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,465 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,673 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,074 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,669 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,457 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,438 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,612 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $64,979 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select 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. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Hartsville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartsville 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hartsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Hartsville?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.