Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sumter, SC (2024 Update)
- Sumter Solar Installation Cost: $19,119
- 25-Year Savings: $25,704
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sumter
We break down average solar pricing in Sumter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sumter typically cost around 3.Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Sumter, the average price of going solar will be about $19,119 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Sumter depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Sumter homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Sumter for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sumter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,561 |
| 3 years | $-14,445 |
| 5 years | $-11,329 |
| 7 years | $-8,213 |
| 9 years | $-5,097 |
| 11 years | $-1,981 |
| 13 years | $1,135 |
| 15 years | $4,251 |
| 17 years | $7,367 |
| 19 years | $10,483 |
| 21 years | $13,599 |
| 23 years | $16,715 |
| 25 years | $19,831 |
Top Solar Installers in Sumter
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sumter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sumter
The cost of installing a solar system in Sumter can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,450 per kilowatt in Sumter.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, 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 difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Sumter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $15,835 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $21,500 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $27,358 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $33,409 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $39,653 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $46,091 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $52,722 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $59,546 | 10.5 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Sumter, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sumter?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sumter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sumter?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Sumter?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.
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.