Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walhalla, SC (2023 Update)
- Walhalla Solar Installation Cost: $15,362
- 25-Year Savings: $30,250
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walhalla
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Walhalla.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Walhalla is 2.72 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Walhalla, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,365, or $21,972 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Walhalla homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted 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 | $-13,876 |
| 3 years | $-10,906 |
| 5 years | $-7,935 |
| 7 years | $-4,965 |
| 9 years | $-1,994 |
| 11 years | $976 |
| 13 years | $3,947 |
| 15 years | $6,917 |
| 17 years | $9,888 |
| 19 years | $12,858 |
| 21 years | $15,829 |
| 23 years | $18,799 |
| 25 years | $21,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Walhalla
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Walhalla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walhalla
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Walhalla: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,720 per kilowatt in Walhalla. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walhalla to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Walhalla, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. 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 specials to compete with those major players.
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 model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Walhalla, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walhalla?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Walhalla?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.