Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laurens, SC (2024 Update)
- Laurens Solar Installation Cost: $19,290
- 25-Year Savings: $28,143
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laurens
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Laurens.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Laurens generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,290 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Laurens can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laurens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,805 |
| 3 years | $-14,835 |
| 5 years | $-11,864 |
| 7 years | $-8,894 |
| 9 years | $-5,923 |
| 11 years | $-2,953 |
| 13 years | $18 |
| 15 years | $2,989 |
| 17 years | $5,959 |
| 19 years | $8,930 |
| 21 years | $11,900 |
| 23 years | $14,871 |
| 25 years | $17,841 |
Top Solar Installers in Laurens
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Laurens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laurens
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Laurens: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Laurens homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Laurens, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Laurens are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,494 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,711 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,122 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,726 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,523 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,513 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,697 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,074 | 10.0 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Laurens, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laurens?
The average cost of solar panels in Laurens 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Laurens?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Laurens. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Laurens?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.