Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seneca, SC (2024 Update)
- Seneca Solar Installation Cost: $19,484
- 25-Year Savings: $29,047
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seneca
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Seneca.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Seneca, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Seneca homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,484 with the federal tax credit, or $27,862 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Seneca depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Seneca homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Seneca for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Seneca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,999 |
| 3 years | $-15,029 |
| 5 years | $-12,058 |
| 7 years | $-9,088 |
| 9 years | $-6,117 |
| 11 years | $-3,147 |
| 13 years | $-176 |
| 15 years | $2,795 |
| 17 years | $5,765 |
| 19 years | $8,736 |
| 21 years | $11,706 |
| 23 years | $14,677 |
| 25 years | $17,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Seneca
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Seneca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seneca
Though the average cost of a solar system in Seneca is $19,484, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Seneca homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Seneca’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,955 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $24,327 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,891 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $37,649 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $44,600 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $51,744 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $59,082 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $66,613 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Seneca, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seneca?
The average cost of solar panels in Seneca 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Seneca?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Seneca. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Seneca have a net metering program?
Most states have 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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.