Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, SC (2024 Update)
- Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $19,401
- 25-Year Savings: $30,316
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centerville
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Centerville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centerville typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Centerville is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,401 for a solar installation, or $27,743 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Centerville based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centerville find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Centerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,916 |
| 3 years | $-14,945 |
| 5 years | $-11,975 |
| 7 years | $-9,004 |
| 9 years | $-6,034 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-93 |
| 15 years | $2,878 |
| 17 years | $5,848 |
| 19 years | $8,819 |
| 21 years | $11,790 |
| 23 years | $14,760 |
| 25 years | $17,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Centerville
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 Centerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Centerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Centerville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Centerville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $18,996 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,715 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,626 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,731 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $47,029 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,520 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $62,205 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $70,083 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, 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 Centerville, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centerville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Centerville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Centerville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Centerville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Centerville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.