Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, SC (2025 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $19,450
- 25-Year Savings: $30,277
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
We go over average solar pricing in Piedmont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Piedmont it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Piedmont, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,450, or $27,814 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Piedmont depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Piedmont for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Piedmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,965 |
| 3 years | $-14,995 |
| 5 years | $-12,024 |
| 7 years | $-9,054 |
| 9 years | $-6,083 |
| 11 years | $-3,113 |
| 13 years | $-142 |
| 15 years | $2,829 |
| 17 years | $5,799 |
| 19 years | $8,770 |
| 21 years | $11,740 |
| 23 years | $14,711 |
| 25 years | $17,681 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Piedmont:
See all of the solar companies in Piedmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piedmont
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Piedmont is $19,450, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Piedmont, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Piedmont, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Piedmont, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $18,910 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,599 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,482 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,558 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,827 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,290 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,945 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,794 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Piedmont, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Piedmont?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Piedmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,132.64 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Piedmont?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.