Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, SC (2024 Update)

  • York Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,911
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 York

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in York.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in York, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in York is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,570 for a solar installation, or $27,985 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average York homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in York for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in York

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,085
3 years$-15,114
5 years$-12,144
7 years$-9,173
9 years$-6,203
11 years$-3,232
13 years$-261
15 years$2,709
17 years$5,680
19 years$8,650
21 years$11,621
23 years$14,591
25 years$17,562

Top Solar Installers in York

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in York, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 York

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York

Even though the average cost of a solar system in York is $19,570, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in York have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.59$15,070$14,05912.9 years
8 kW$3.52$19,706$19,13112.7 years
10 kW$3.45$24,150$24,39712.4 years
12 kW$3.38$28,400$29,85612.2 years
14 kW$3.31$32,458$35,50811.9 years
16 kW$3.24$36,322$41,35411.7 years
18 kW$3.17$39,992$47,39211.4 years
20 kW$3.11$43,470$53,62411.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's York, SC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?

The average cost of solar panels in York 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in York?

Solar panels aren’t free in York, 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.

Is it worth going solar in York?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.