Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irmo, SC (2024 Update)
- Irmo Solar Installation Cost: $19,127
- 25-Year Savings: $30,700
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irmo
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Irmo.
In Irmo, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Irmo, the average price of going solar will be about $19,127 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Irmo homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Irmo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irmo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,387 |
| 3 years | $-13,906 |
| 5 years | $-10,425 |
| 7 years | $-6,944 |
| 9 years | $-3,464 |
| 11 years | $17 |
| 13 years | $3,498 |
| 15 years | $6,979 |
| 17 years | $10,460 |
| 19 years | $13,940 |
| 21 years | $17,421 |
| 23 years | $20,902 |
| 25 years | $24,383 |
Top Solar Installers in Irmo
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote 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 Irmo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irmo
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Irmo is $19,127, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Irmo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Irmo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Irmo, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Irmo know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $19,612 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,535 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,652 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $40,962 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $48,465 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $56,161 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $64,051 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $72,134 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Irmo, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irmo?
The average cost of solar panels in Irmo 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Irmo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Irmo. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Irmo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.