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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Spartanburg generally cost around 3.The average Spartanburg homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,511 with the federal tax credit, or $27,901 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Spartanburg can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Spartanburg for a quote for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Spartanburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spartanburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Spartanburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly 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 spend around $3,450 per kilowatt in Spartanburg.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Spartanburg, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Spartanburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Spartanburg, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Spartanburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Spartanburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Spartanburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install 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.