Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simpsonville, SC (Mar 2023)
- Simpsonville Solar Installation Cost: $15,365
- 25-Year Savings: $30,138
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Simpsonville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Simpsonville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Simpsonville it's 2.72 per watt. The average Simpsonville homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,365 with the federal tax credit, or $21,972 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Simpsonville based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Simpsonville can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Simpsonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Simpsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,545 |
| 3 years | $-9,905 |
| 5 years | $-6,265 |
| 7 years | $-2,624 |
| 9 years | $1,016 |
| 11 years | $4,656 |
| 13 years | $8,296 |
| 15 years | $11,937 |
| 17 years | $15,577 |
| 19 years | $19,217 |
| 21 years | $22,857 |
| 23 years | $26,497 |
| 25 years | $30,138 |
Top Solar Installers in Simpsonville
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Simpsonville:
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 Simpsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simpsonville
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,720 per kilowatt in Simpsonville. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Simpsonville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Simpsonville, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Simpsonville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $21,931 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,546 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,313 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,233 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,304 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,529 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $69,905 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,434 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire 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 (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 Simpsonville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Simpsonville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Simpsonville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Simpsonville?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.