Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, SC (2023 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $15,335
- 25-Year Savings: $30,277
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Piedmont.
In Piedmont, solar panels cost about 2.72 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Piedmont is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,327 for a solar installation, or $21,918 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Piedmont based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Piedmont can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Piedmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Piedmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,183 |
| 3 years | $-14,879 |
| 5 years | $-14,575 |
| 7 years | $-14,271 |
| 9 years | $-13,966 |
| 11 years | $-13,662 |
| 13 years | $-13,358 |
| 15 years | $-13,054 |
| 17 years | $-12,750 |
| 19 years | $-12,446 |
| 21 years | $-12,142 |
| 23 years | $-11,838 |
| 25 years | $-11,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Piedmont, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Piedmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piedmont
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Piedmont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,720. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, 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 only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Piedmont, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Piedmont homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Piedmont's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,098 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,769 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,592 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,568 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,695 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,975 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $70,408 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,992 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Piedmont, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Piedmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Piedmont is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Piedmont is currently $157,500, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,458 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Piedmont is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.