Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Grove, SC (2024 Update)
- Oak Grove Solar Installation Cost: $19,152
- 25-Year Savings: $31,167
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Grove
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oak Grove.
In Oak Grove, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,152 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Oak Grove can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,412 |
| 3 years | $-13,931 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-6,970 |
| 9 years | $-3,489 |
| 11 years | $-8 |
| 13 years | $3,473 |
| 15 years | $6,954 |
| 17 years | $10,435 |
| 19 years | $13,915 |
| 21 years | $17,396 |
| 23 years | $20,877 |
| 25 years | $24,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Grove
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Oak Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Grove
For many Oak Grove homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oak Grove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Oak Grove, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 lower 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $19,934 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,965 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,190 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,607 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,218 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,022 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,019 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,210 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Oak Grove, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Oak Grove, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Grove?
The average cost of solar panels in Oak Grove is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Oak Grove?
Solar panels aren’t free in Oak Grove, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oak Grove?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.