Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pendleton, SC (Mar 2023)

  • Pendleton Solar Installation Cost: $15,365
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,247
  • Payback Period: 8.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pendleton

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pendleton.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pendleton typically cost around 2.72. The average Pendleton homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,365 with the federal tax credit, or $21,972 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pendleton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,541
3 years $-9,892
5 years $-6,243
7 years $-2,594
9 years $1,055
11 years $4,704
13 years $8,353
15 years $12,002
17 years $15,651
19 years $19,300
21 years $22,949
23 years $26,598
25 years $30,247

Top Solar Installers in Pendleton

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Pendleton, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Pendleton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pendleton

Although the average cost of a solar system in Pendleton is $15,365, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,720 per kilowatt in Pendleton. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Pendleton average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pendleton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $22,050 8.8 years
8 kW $2.77 $15,537 $29,705 8.6 years
10 kW $2.72 $19,040 $37,512 8.4 years
12 kW $2.67 $22,391 $45,471 8.2 years
14 kW $2.61 $25,590 $53,583 8.1 years
16 kW $2.56 $28,636 $61,847 7.9 years
18 kW $2.50 $31,530 $70,263 7.7 years
20 kW $2.45 $34,272 $78,831 7.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type 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.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Pendleton, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pendleton?

This is a tough 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Pendleton?

A solar panel system isn't free in Pendleton, 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 further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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% with a solar installation."

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 take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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