Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barnwell, SC (2024 Update)
- Barnwell Solar Installation Cost: $18,880
- 25-Year Savings: $34,915
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barnwell
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Barnwell.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Barnwell, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Barnwell is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,880 for a solar installation, or $26,998 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Barnwell homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barnwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,140 |
| 3 years | $-13,659 |
| 5 years | $-10,178 |
| 7 years | $-6,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,217 |
| 11 years | $264 |
| 13 years | $3,745 |
| 15 years | $7,226 |
| 17 years | $10,706 |
| 19 years | $14,187 |
| 21 years | $17,668 |
| 23 years | $21,149 |
| 25 years | $24,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Barnwell
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Barnwell, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Barnwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barnwell
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,450 per kilowatt in Barnwell.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Barnwell, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Barnwell offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Barnwell’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Barnwell have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $23,150 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $31,253 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $39,549 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $48,039 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $56,721 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $65,597 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $74,666 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $83,928 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Barnwell, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barnwell?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Barnwell?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
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 $1,273.98 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.