Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Shops, SC (2024 Update)
- Southern Shops Solar Installation Cost: $19,511
- 25-Year Savings: $28,443
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Shops
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Southern Shops.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southern Shops, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southern Shops is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,511 for a solar installation, or $27,901 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Southern Shops homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Southern Shops homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southern Shops
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,026 |
| 3 years | $-15,055 |
| 5 years | $-12,084 |
| 7 years | $-9,114 |
| 9 years | $-6,143 |
| 11 years | $-3,173 |
| 13 years | $-202 |
| 15 years | $2,768 |
| 17 years | $5,739 |
| 19 years | $8,709 |
| 21 years | $11,680 |
| 23 years | $14,650 |
| 25 years | $17,621 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Shops
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate 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
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 Southern Shops
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Shops
For many Southern Shops homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southern Shops, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Southern Shops, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Southern Shops, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southern Shops to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Southern Shops’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $17,478 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,690 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,095 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,694 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,486 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,471 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,649 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,021 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering 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 Southern Shops, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southern Shops?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Southern Shops?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Southern Shops. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Southern Shops?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.