Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surfside Beach, SC (2023 Update)
- Surfside Beach Solar Installation Cost: $14,605
- 25-Year Savings: $30,790
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Surfside Beach
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Surfside Beach.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Surfside Beach it's 2.72 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Surfside Beach is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,604 for a solar installation, or $20,884 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Surfside Beach based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Surfside Beach find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Surfside Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,454 |
| 3 years | $-14,151 |
| 5 years | $-13,848 |
| 7 years | $-13,546 |
| 9 years | $-13,243 |
| 11 years | $-12,941 |
| 13 years | $-12,638 |
| 15 years | $-12,335 |
| 17 years | $-12,033 |
| 19 years | $-11,730 |
| 21 years | $-11,427 |
| 23 years | $-11,125 |
| 25 years | $-10,822 |
Top Solar Installers in Surfside Beach
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Surfside Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Surfside Beach
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,720. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Surfside Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea 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 last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Surfside Beach, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $23,627 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $31,807 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $40,140 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $48,624 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $57,262 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $66,051 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $74,993 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $84,087 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Surfside Beach, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Surfside Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Surfside Beach?
You can't get solar panels for free in Surfside Beach. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Surfside Beach is currently $215,500, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,836 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Surfside Beach is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.