Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spartanburg, SC (2024 Update)
- Spartanburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,511
- 25-Year Savings: $28,176
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spartanburg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Spartanburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Spartanburg generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Spartanburg, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,511, or $27,901 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Spartanburg based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Spartanburg
| 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 Spartanburg
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're searching for a solar company in Spartanburg, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Spartanburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spartanburg
For many Spartanburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Spartanburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,450 per kilowatt in Spartanburg.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Spartanburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Spartanburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,279 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,425 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $29,765 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,297 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,023 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $49,942 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,054 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $64,359 | 10.1 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Spartanburg, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Spartanburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Spartanburg is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Spartanburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Spartanburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Spartanburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.