Solar Panel Cost Guide in James Island, SC (2024 Update)
- James Island Solar Installation Cost: $17,655
- 25-Year Savings: $32,575
- Payback Period: 9.5 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 James Island
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in James Island.
The average cost of a solar system in James Island is 3 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in James Island, the average price of going solar will be about $17,655 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of James Island homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in James Island find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in James Island for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in James Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,915 |
| 3 years | $-12,434 |
| 5 years | $-8,953 |
| 7 years | $-5,473 |
| 9 years | $-1,992 |
| 11 years | $1,489 |
| 13 years | $4,970 |
| 15 years | $8,451 |
| 17 years | $11,931 |
| 19 years | $15,412 |
| 21 years | $18,893 |
| 23 years | $22,374 |
| 25 years | $25,855 |
Top Solar Installers in James Island
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 James Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in James Island
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in James Island: 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,450. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in James Island provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. James Island’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $23,089 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $31,172 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $39,448 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $47,917 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $56,579 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $65,435 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $74,484 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $83,726 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: 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 how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 James Island, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in James Island?
The average cost of solar panels in James Island 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in James Island?
A solar panel system isn’t free in James Island, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in James Island, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.