Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darlington, SC (2024 Update)

  • Darlington Solar Installation Cost: $19,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,256
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darlington

See how much it might cost to go solar in Darlington.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Darlington generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Darlington is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,419 for a solar installation, or $27,769 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Darlington based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Darlington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Darlington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,861
3 years $-14,745
5 years $-11,629
7 years $-8,513
9 years $-5,397
11 years $-2,281
13 years $835
15 years $3,951
17 years $7,067
19 years $10,183
21 years $13,299
23 years $16,414
25 years $19,530

Top Solar Installers in Darlington

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Darlington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darlington

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Darlington is $19,419, 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

One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,450 per kilowatt in Darlington.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Darlington average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Darlington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 $18,184 11.3 years
8 kW $3.52 $19,706 $24,632 11.1 years
10 kW $3.45 $24,150 $31,273 10.9 years
12 kW $3.38 $28,400 $38,107 10.7 years
14 kW $3.31 $32,458 $45,134 10.5 years
16 kW $3.24 $36,322 $52,355 10.2 years
18 kW $3.17 $39,992 $59,768 10.0 years
20 kW $3.11 $43,470 $67,375 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Darlington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Darlington, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Darlington?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Darlington?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Darlington. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Darlington?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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