Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orangeburg, SC (2024 Update)
- Orangeburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,880
- 25-Year Savings: $30,246
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orangeburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Orangeburg.
The average cost of solar panels in Orangeburg is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Orangeburg is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,880 for a solar installation, or $26,998 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Orangeburg depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Orangeburg see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orangeburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,224 |
| 3 years | $-13,914 |
| 5 years | $-10,603 |
| 7 years | $-7,292 |
| 9 years | $-3,981 |
| 11 years | $-671 |
| 13 years | $2,640 |
| 15 years | $5,951 |
| 17 years | $9,261 |
| 19 years | $12,572 |
| 21 years | $15,883 |
| 23 years | $19,194 |
| 25 years | $22,504 |
Top Solar Installers in Orangeburg
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Orangeburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orangeburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Orangeburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Orangeburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Orangeburg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,567 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,476 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,578 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $40,873 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $48,362 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $56,043 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $63,918 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $71,986 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Orangeburg, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orangeburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Orangeburg 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Orangeburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in Orangeburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.