Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, PA (2024 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $17,629
- 25-Year Savings: $21,091
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Charleston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charleston generally cost around 4.The average Charleston homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,629 with the federal tax credit, or $25,209 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Charleston can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Charleston for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,151 |
| 3 years | $-13,196 |
| 5 years | $-10,241 |
| 7 years | $-7,286 |
| 9 years | $-4,332 |
| 11 years | $-1,377 |
| 13 years | $1,578 |
| 15 years | $4,533 |
| 17 years | $7,488 |
| 19 years | $10,443 |
| 21 years | $13,398 |
| 23 years | $16,353 |
| 25 years | $19,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Charleston, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Charleston, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Charleston, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Charleston offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Charleston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Charleston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $13,042 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $17,787 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $22,731 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $27,873 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $33,215 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $38,755 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $44,494 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $50,432 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Charleston, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in Charleston is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $951.62 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.