Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spartanburg, SC (Mar 2023)
- Spartanburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,384
- 25-Year Savings: $28,174
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spartanburg
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Spartanburg.
In Spartanburg, solar panels cost about 2.72 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Spartanburg is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,384 for a solar installation, or $21,999 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Spartanburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Spartanburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,642 |
| 3 years | $-10,157 |
| 5 years | $-6,673 |
| 7 years | $-3,188 |
| 9 years | $297 |
| 11 years | $3,781 |
| 13 years | $7,266 |
| 15 years | $10,750 |
| 17 years | $14,235 |
| 19 years | $17,720 |
| 21 years | $21,204 |
| 23 years | $24,689 |
| 25 years | $28,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Spartanburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Spartanburg:
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 Spartanburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spartanburg
For many Spartanburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to 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 various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,720 per kilowatt in Spartanburg. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Spartanburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Spartanburg, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Spartanburg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $20,468 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $27,595 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $34,875 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $42,307 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $49,891 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $57,627 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $65,516 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $73,557 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Spartanburg, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Spartanburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Spartanburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Spartanburg?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.