Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blythewood, SC (2024 Update)
- Blythewood Solar Installation Cost: $19,121
- 25-Year Savings: $31,841
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blythewood
We go over average solar pricing in Blythewood.
In Blythewood, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Blythewood, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,121, or $27,343 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Blythewood homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blythewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,381 |
| 3 years | $-13,900 |
| 5 years | $-10,419 |
| 7 years | $-6,938 |
| 9 years | $-3,457 |
| 11 years | $23 |
| 13 years | $3,504 |
| 15 years | $6,985 |
| 17 years | $10,466 |
| 19 years | $13,947 |
| 21 years | $17,427 |
| 23 years | $20,908 |
| 25 years | $24,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Blythewood
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Blythewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blythewood
There are many criteria that can affect your 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 going solar 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 Blythewood.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Blythewood to be prohibitively 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 in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Blythewood, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $20,483 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,698 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,105 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,705 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,499 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,486 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,666 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $75,040 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Blythewood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Blythewood, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blythewood?
The average cost of solar panels in Blythewood is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors 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 thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Blythewood have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.