Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laurens, SC (2024 Update)
- Laurens Solar Installation Cost: $19,290
- 25-Year Savings: $28,143
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laurens
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Laurens.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Laurens generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,290 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Laurens based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Laurens, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laurens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,805 |
| 3 years | $-14,835 |
| 5 years | $-11,864 |
| 7 years | $-8,894 |
| 9 years | $-5,923 |
| 11 years | $-2,953 |
| 13 years | $18 |
| 15 years | $2,989 |
| 17 years | $5,959 |
| 19 years | $8,930 |
| 21 years | $11,900 |
| 23 years | $14,871 |
| 25 years | $17,841 |
Top Solar Installers in Laurens
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Laurens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laurens
For many Laurens homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Laurens, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Laurens, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Laurens homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,494 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,711 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,122 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,726 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,523 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,513 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,697 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,074 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Laurens, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laurens?
The average cost of solar panels in Laurens is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Laurens?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Laurens. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Does Laurens 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.