Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wade Hampton, SC (2024 Update)
- Wade Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
- 25-Year Savings: $17,632
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wade Hampton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wade Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wade Hampton it’s 3 per watt.The average Wade Hampton homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,500 with the federal tax credit, or $27,885 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Wade Hampton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wade Hampton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wade Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,015 |
| 3 years | $-15,044 |
| 5 years | $-12,074 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,133 |
| 11 years | $-3,162 |
| 13 years | $-192 |
| 15 years | $2,779 |
| 17 years | $5,749 |
| 19 years | $8,720 |
| 21 years | $11,691 |
| 23 years | $14,661 |
| 25 years | $17,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Wade Hampton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 Wade Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wade Hampton
While the average cost of a solar system in Wade Hampton is $19,500, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wade Hampton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 with an above-average 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 | $17,494 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,712 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,123 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,727 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,525 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,515 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,699 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,076 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
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 Wade Hampton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wade Hampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wade Hampton 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Wade Hampton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.