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
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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 solar panels in James Island is 3 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs 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.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average James Island homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer 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 opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in James Island, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 James Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in James Island
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in James Island.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in James Island offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for James Island homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 James Island, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in James Island?
You can’t get solar panels for free in James Island. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,271.96 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.