Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamston, SC (2024 Update)
- Williamston Solar Installation Cost: $19,401
- 25-Year Savings: $31,680
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Williamston.
In Williamston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Williamston homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,401 with the federal tax credit, or $27,743 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Williamston homeowner. 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.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamston find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Williamston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,916 |
| 3 years | $-14,945 |
| 5 years | $-11,975 |
| 7 years | $-9,004 |
| 9 years | $-6,034 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-93 |
| 15 years | $2,878 |
| 17 years | $5,848 |
| 19 years | $8,819 |
| 21 years | $11,790 |
| 23 years | $14,760 |
| 25 years | $17,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Williamston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamston
Though the average cost of a solar system in Williamston is $19,401, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Williamston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Williamston average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,015 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,073 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,324 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,769 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,407 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,238 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,262 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,479 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Williamston, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williamston?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Williamston, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,169.49 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Williamston?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.