Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little River, SC (2023 Update)
- Little River Solar Installation Cost: $14,604
- 25-Year Savings: $28,599
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little River
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Little River.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Little River, the average cost of a solar system is 2.72 per watt. The average Little River homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,604 with the federal tax credit, or $20,884 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Little River homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Little River find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,876 |
| 3 years | $-9,419 |
| 5 years | $-5,963 |
| 7 years | $-2,507 |
| 9 years | $949 |
| 11 years | $4,405 |
| 13 years | $7,862 |
| 15 years | $11,318 |
| 17 years | $14,774 |
| 19 years | $18,230 |
| 21 years | $21,686 |
| 23 years | $25,143 |
| 25 years | $28,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Little River
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are several criteria that can play into 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Little River average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Little River, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Little River's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.83 | $11,881 | $21,912 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,520 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,281 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,194 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,259 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,477 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $69,847 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,370 | 7.6 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. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Little River?
A solar panel system isn't free in Little River, 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.
Does Little River have a net metering program?
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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 cover 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.