Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, SC (2024 Update)
- Summerville Solar Installation Cost: $18,301
- 25-Year Savings: $32,096
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Summerville.
The average cost of solar panels in Summerville is 3 per watt.The average Summerville homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,301 with the federal tax credit, or $26,170 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,560 |
| 3 years | $-13,080 |
| 5 years | $-9,599 |
| 7 years | $-6,118 |
| 9 years | $-2,637 |
| 11 years | $844 |
| 13 years | $4,324 |
| 15 years | $7,805 |
| 17 years | $11,286 |
| 19 years | $14,767 |
| 21 years | $18,248 |
| 23 years | $21,728 |
| 25 years | $25,209 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Summerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Summerville: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Summerville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,767 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $29,409 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $37,244 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $45,273 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $53,494 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $61,909 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $70,517 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $79,319 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully 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 component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Summerville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summerville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Summerville, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Summerville?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.