Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, SC (2024 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $19,344
- 25-Year Savings: $29,934
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marion.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Marion, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,344 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Marion homeowners. The cost 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.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Marion can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Marion that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,786 |
| 3 years | $-14,670 |
| 5 years | $-11,554 |
| 7 years | $-8,438 |
| 9 years | $-5,322 |
| 11 years | $-2,206 |
| 13 years | $910 |
| 15 years | $4,026 |
| 17 years | $7,142 |
| 19 years | $10,258 |
| 21 years | $13,374 |
| 23 years | $16,490 |
| 25 years | $19,606 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
The cost of installing a solar system in Marion can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,450. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marion, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $18,777 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,422 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,261 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,293 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,518 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $53,936 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,547 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,352 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company 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: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Marion, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Marion?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Marion. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.