Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northlake, SC (2024 Update)
- Northlake Solar Installation Cost: $19,401
- 25-Year Savings: $31,326
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northlake
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Northlake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Northlake generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Northlake is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,401 for a solar installation, or $27,743 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 Northlake 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.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Northlake find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,916 |
| 3 years | $-14,945 |
| 5 years | $-11,975 |
| 7 years | $-9,004 |
| 9 years | $-6,034 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-93 |
| 15 years | $2,878 |
| 17 years | $5,848 |
| 19 years | $8,819 |
| 21 years | $11,790 |
| 23 years | $14,760 |
| 25 years | $17,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Northlake
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Northlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northlake
While the average cost of a solar system in Northlake is $19,401, your final cost may be above or below the average. 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in Northlake.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northlake to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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’re only able to 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Northlake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,750 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,720 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,883 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,239 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $48,788 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $56,531 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $64,467 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $72,596 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Northlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Northlake, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northlake?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.