Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, SC (2025 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.
In Summerville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Summerville, the average price of going solar will be about $18,301 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Summerville depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Summerville, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Summerville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Summerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerville
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Summerville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Summerville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose 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.Additionally, some companies in Summerville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Summerville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Summerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Summerville is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summerville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summerville. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Summerville?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.