Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walhalla, SC (Mar 2023)
- Walhalla Solar Installation Cost: $15,365
- 25-Year Savings: $30,247
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walhalla
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Walhalla.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walhalla typically cost about 2.72. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Walhalla, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,365, or $21,972 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walhalla find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Walhalla that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Walhalla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,541 |
| 3 years | $-9,892 |
| 5 years | $-6,243 |
| 7 years | $-2,594 |
| 9 years | $1,055 |
| 11 years | $4,704 |
| 13 years | $8,353 |
| 15 years | $12,002 |
| 17 years | $15,651 |
| 19 years | $19,300 |
| 21 years | $22,949 |
| 23 years | $26,598 |
| 25 years | $30,247 |
Top Solar Installers in Walhalla
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Walhalla:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Walhalla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walhalla
Though the average cost of a solar system in Walhalla is $15,365, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Walhalla, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,720 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Walhalla homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $22,039 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $29,690 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $37,493 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $45,449 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $53,557 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $61,817 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $70,230 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $78,794 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Walhalla, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walhalla?
The average cost of solar panels in Walhalla is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Walhalla?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Walhalla, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.