Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Charleston, SC (2024 Update)
- North Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $18,301
- 25-Year Savings: $32,150
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Charleston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Charleston.
In North Charleston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,301 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,560 |
| 3 years | $-13,080 |
| 5 years | $-9,599 |
| 7 years | $-6,118 |
| 9 years | $-2,637 |
| 11 years | $844 |
| 13 years | $4,324 |
| 15 years | $7,805 |
| 17 years | $11,286 |
| 19 years | $14,767 |
| 21 years | $18,248 |
| 23 years | $21,728 |
| 25 years | $25,209 |
Top Solar Installers in North Charleston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Charleston
Although the average cost of a solar system in North Charleston is $18,301, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,450. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Charleston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on 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 pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $21,809 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $29,465 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $37,314 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $45,357 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $53,593 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $62,022 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $70,644 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $79,459 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 North Charleston, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in North Charleston 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Charleston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.