Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surfside Beach, SC (2024 Update)

  • Surfside Beach Solar Installation Cost: $18,525
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,790
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Surfside Beach

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Surfside Beach.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Surfside Beach is 3 per watt.The average Surfside Beach homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,525 with the federal tax credit, or $26,491 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Surfside Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,743
3 years $-13,179
5 years $-9,615
7 years $-6,051
9 years $-2,487
11 years $1,077
13 years $4,641
15 years $8,205
17 years $11,769
19 years $15,333
21 years $18,897
23 years $22,461
25 years $26,025

Top Solar Installers in Surfside Beach

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 several criteria that can determine 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 system.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Surfside Beach to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Surfside Beach is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 $20,438 10.6 years
8 kW $3.52 $19,706 $27,637 10.4 years
10 kW $3.45 $24,150 $35,030 10.2 years
12 kW $3.38 $28,400 $42,615 10.0 years
14 kW $3.31 $32,458 $50,394 9.8 years
16 kW $3.24 $36,322 $58,366 9.6 years
18 kW $3.17 $39,992 $66,531 9.4 years
20 kW $3.11 $43,470 $74,889 9.2 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Surfside Beach 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Surfside Beach?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Surfside Beach, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Surfside Beach?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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