Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little River, SC (2024 Update)
- Little River Solar Installation Cost: $18,525
- 25-Year Savings: $28,597
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little River
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Little River.
The average cost of a solar system in Little River is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,525 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Little River 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.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Little River that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Little River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,967 |
| 3 years | $-13,851 |
| 5 years | $-10,735 |
| 7 years | $-7,619 |
| 9 years | $-4,503 |
| 11 years | $-1,387 |
| 13 years | $1,729 |
| 15 years | $4,845 |
| 17 years | $7,961 |
| 19 years | $11,077 |
| 21 years | $14,193 |
| 23 years | $17,309 |
| 25 years | $20,425 |
Top Solar Installers in Little River
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Little River, the EcoWatch team has 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 Little River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little River
While the average cost of a solar system in Little River is $18,525, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Little River average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Little River offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $18,723 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,350 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,171 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,185 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,392 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $53,792 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,385 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,172 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Little River, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little River?
The average cost of solar panels in Little River 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Little River?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Little River?
Each state has some form 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 electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.