Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, SC (Mar 2023)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $15,251
- 25-Year Savings: $29,934
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Marion.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Marion generally cost about 2.72. The average solar panel system size in Marion is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,251 for a solar installation, or $21,809 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep 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 look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Marion homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,444 |
| 3 years | $-9,829 |
| 5 years | $-6,214 |
| 7 years | $-2,599 |
| 9 years | $1,016 |
| 11 years | $4,630 |
| 13 years | $8,245 |
| 15 years | $11,860 |
| 17 years | $15,475 |
| 19 years | $19,090 |
| 21 years | $22,705 |
| 23 years | $26,319 |
| 25 years | $29,934 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
While the average cost of a solar system in Marion is $15,251, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,720 per kilowatt in Marion. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Marion average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Marion homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Marion, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $21,966 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,592 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,371 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,302 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,385 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,621 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $70,009 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,550 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Marion, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marion?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Marion?
Solar panels aren't free in Marion, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Marion, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need 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 home 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.