Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saluda, SC (2023 Update)
- Saluda Solar Installation Cost: $15,118
- 25-Year Savings: $31,143
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saluda
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saluda.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Saluda generally cost around 2.72. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Saluda, the average price of going solar will be about $15,118 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Saluda based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Saluda can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saluda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,267 |
| 3 years | $-9,566 |
| 5 years | $-5,866 |
| 7 years | $-2,165 |
| 9 years | $1,536 |
| 11 years | $5,237 |
| 13 years | $8,938 |
| 15 years | $12,639 |
| 17 years | $16,340 |
| 19 years | $20,041 |
| 21 years | $23,742 |
| 23 years | $27,443 |
| 25 years | $31,143 |
Top Solar Installers in Saluda
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Saluda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saluda
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Saluda: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Most solar companies in Saluda provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $2.83 | $11,881 | $23,091 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $31,093 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $39,247 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $47,553 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $56,012 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $64,623 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $73,386 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $82,302 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Saluda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Saluda, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saluda?
The average cost of solar panels in Saluda 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Saluda?
Solar panels aren't free in Saluda, 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Saluda, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.
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.