Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, SC (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $19,351
- 25-Year Savings: $29,493
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We go over average solar pricing in Chester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,351 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chester homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Chester homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,865 |
| 3 years | $-14,895 |
| 5 years | $-11,924 |
| 7 years | $-8,954 |
| 9 years | $-5,983 |
| 11 years | $-3,013 |
| 13 years | $-42 |
| 15 years | $2,928 |
| 17 years | $5,899 |
| 19 years | $8,869 |
| 21 years | $11,840 |
| 23 years | $14,810 |
| 25 years | $17,781 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chester, we've organized 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
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
While the average cost of a solar system in Chester is $19,351, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Chester, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,450 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 are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chester homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chester, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that provides 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 | $18,439 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $24,971 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $31,697 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $38,616 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $45,728 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $53,034 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $60,532 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $68,224 | 9.7 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Chester, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chester is currently $138,285, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,670 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chester is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.