Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aiken, SC (2024 Update)
- Aiken Solar Installation Cost: $19,042
- 25-Year Savings: $32,004
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aiken
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Aiken.
The average cost of a solar system in Aiken is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Aiken is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,042 for a solar installation, or $27,230 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aiken find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Aiken for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Aiken
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,807 |
| 5 years | $-10,316 |
| 7 years | $-6,826 |
| 9 years | $-3,336 |
| 11 years | $154 |
| 13 years | $3,644 |
| 15 years | $7,134 |
| 17 years | $10,624 |
| 19 years | $14,114 |
| 21 years | $17,604 |
| 23 years | $21,094 |
| 25 years | $24,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Aiken
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Aiken, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Aiken
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aiken
For many Aiken homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Aiken, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,450. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Aiken, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aiken to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Aiken homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,708 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,997 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,480 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $43,155 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $51,024 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $59,086 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $67,341 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $75,789 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Aiken, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aiken?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Aiken?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Aiken, 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 further reduce the cost.
Does Aiken have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Aiken?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.