Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pendleton, SC (2024 Update)
- Pendleton Solar Installation Cost: $19,478
- 25-Year Savings: $30,255
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pendleton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Pendleton.
In Pendleton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Pendleton homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,478 with the federal tax credit, or $27,854 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pendleton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Pendleton homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pendleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,993 |
| 3 years | $-15,022 |
| 5 years | $-12,052 |
| 7 years | $-9,081 |
| 9 years | $-6,111 |
| 11 years | $-3,140 |
| 13 years | $-170 |
| 15 years | $2,801 |
| 17 years | $5,771 |
| 19 years | $8,742 |
| 21 years | $11,712 |
| 23 years | $14,683 |
| 25 years | $17,654 |
Top Solar Installers in Pendleton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Pendleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pendleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Pendleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Pendleton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pendleton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pendleton is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $18,861 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,535 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,402 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,462 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,715 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,161 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,801 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,633 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Pendleton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pendleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Pendleton 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pendleton?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.